Working out what benefits or income you’re entitled to can be tricky, especially with recent welfare changes, applying for benefits and navigating the system can be a stressful and difficult process for everyone.
If you’re facing higher living costs, but have little or no extra money coming in, find out about extra sources of income and support available to help you manage your household bills and where to get free expert advice online, face-to-face or by calling an advice helpline.
If you need help or information about benefits you can find details of some local advice and information services below.
Durham Welfare Rights Team
If you need advice on a benefit issue, Durham Welfare Rights Team can help with the following:
- Give you information on what benefits you might be entitled to and how to claim them.
- Check that you are getting the right amount of benefit.
- Advise you on what will happen if your circumstances change.
- Give advice on how to ask for a reconsideration of a decision, or appeal against it.
Contact us by telephone on 03000 268 968 or via email welfare.rights@durham.gov.uk for more information.
Monday to Thursday, from 8.30am until 5.00pm and Friday 8.30am until 4.30pm. All services are confidential and free of charge if you live in County Durham.
Benefit Appeals
If you’ve recently had a benefit claim turned down and are appealing against this, Welfare Rights can help you with specialist advice and support. They can help you prepare your case and attend the tribunal hearing with you.
Contact us to ask for help with your benefits appeal.
https://www.durham.gov.uk/welfarerights
There are other agencies locally that can also offer support around benefits advice
Age UK County Durham
Age UK County Durham provides a free and impartial service to help people aged 50 and over across County Durham maximise their income. A holistic approach ensures clients receive wide-ranging expert support with their claim, as well as help with other issues including aids/adaptations, energy costs, care provision and client welfare.
Tel: 0191 374 6367
Email: your.rights@ageukcountydurham.org.uk
www.ageuk.org.uk/countydurham/
Citizens Advice County Durham
Citizens Advice County Durham is a local charity which provides benefits advice debt advice, support with housing and consumer issues and other advice to thousands of people every year. Its services are free, confidential, and impartial.
Tel: 0808 278 7821
Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.
East Durham Trust
East Durham Trust is a local charity which provides support services to people living in the east Durham area. This includes benefits advice, debt advice and emergency food parcels.
Tel: 0191 569 3511
Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Durham County Carers Support
Durham County Carers Support are a local charity supporting unpaid family Carers. They offer advice, support, and practical help to gain benefits, grants and help for you and the person you care for. As well as funding to help you take a break from caring to improve your health and wellbeing.
Tel: 0300 005 1213, email admin@dccarers.org or website www.dccarers.org
National Support
MoneyHelper
The Governments Money Helper service provides clear money and pension guidance online and over the phone. Money help all in one place, that is free to use.
Tel: 0800 138 7777
Monday to Friday 8am-6pm.
Find out about extra sources of income and support available to help you manage your household bills and save money in our guide Help with the cost of living
The government provides other benefits such as Universal Credit, Tax credits, Job Seeker’s Allowance and low-income benefits, carers and disabilities benefits and benefits for families. See Gov.uk: benefits information for more information.