Information on Council Benefits

Benefit Entitlements

Across the UK individuals and households have entitlements to benefits from central and or local government as a consequence of: - 

♦    Pregnancy
♦    Parenthood / Guardians
♦    Retirement
♦    Bereavement

♦    Disability
♦    Illness

♦    Jobseekers Allowance

♦    Income Support

♦    Council Tax Benefit

♦    Housing Benefit

♦    School Meals

Often access to one entitlement can be a gateway to another.  Local Council’s in particular often require proof of entitlement to a state benefit as qualification for a local benefit. To access information on Council Benefit Entitlements click here.

The Council brands its benefit uptake activities with the logo “you're better off finding out” and encourages all Highland residents to make enquiries on their entitlements from the appropriate agency.  The Council sets out as a priority that everybody and anybody should be able to access information on available benefit entitlements. 

Information
 

The Council provides information on benefit entitlements through its website, its Service Points, its telephone call centre, principal and local Services offices, schools and libraries.  Information on where your local service point is available by clicking here.

Advice
 

The Council makes a clear distinction between providing information and giving advice.  Free and confidential benefit entitlement advice services are available from a range of trained and qualified staff and volunteers within the Council and its partner agencies.  The degree to which advice is given will be dependent on the background, qualifications and experience of the staff and volunteers involved.   

Many professional staff within the council operating within Social Work Services, Housing Services, Finance Services, Education Culture and Sport Services, Transport Environment and Community Services, which includes Money Advice Officers, can offer individuals advice on benefits relevant to specific services.  Information on Services is available by clicking here.

The Council supports local advice agencies to provide free, independent and confidential advice and information services.  They are funded in particular to provide a Welfare Rights Service for those trying to access benefit entitlements and a Money Advice service for those experiencing difficulties with debt.  Information on local advices services is available by clicking here.

Welfare Rights officers within local advice agencies can undertake a benefit check to ensure that you are receiving your correct benefit entitlements. They can also assist you in dealing with welfare benefits and tax credits and can represent you at relevant appeal tribunals.  The service can give you advice about your housing benefit claim or your council tax bill and assist you with any appeals.  They can also advise you if you are in dispute with your employer.

Advice is also available from partner agencies who also provide benefits and with whom the Council works closely to ensure individuals can efficiently access and maximise their entitlements. Information on partner agencies is available by clicking on relevant section below.

The Department for Work and Pensions

The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the Government's welfare reform agenda.  Its aim is to promote opportunity and independence for all.  It delivers support and advice through a modern network of services to people of working age, employers, pensioners, families and children and disabled people. Further information is available by clicking here.  An A-Z of available benefits is available by clicking here .   Principal areas of interest include the following four categories: -

 Jobcentre Plus delivers services to working age people. They are introducing new style Jobcentre Plus offices across the country and the changes will be completed by 2006. 

The Pension Service provides information and services for everyone whether they are planning for retirement or about to retire.

Families and Children.  A range of benefits and services for families 

Disabled People and Carers.  A range of benefits and services for people who are sick or have a disability or who have care responsibilities for someone who is sick or disabled. 

Inland Revenue

https://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qualify/DIQHousehold.aspx

Citizen's Advice Scotland

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland.htm?region=scotland.htm

Scottish Local Government Forum Against Poverty

Scottish Local Government Forum Against Poverty is an all party coalition of Scottish Local Authorities providing a network to share concerns about social policy issues and examine relevant strategies and practice; coordinating information on anti poverty initiatives in Scotland; producing and disseminating relevant reports and material to assist members in their antipoverty strategies, policies and practice; and addressing issues of concern to Scottish Councils through meetings and wider seminars.  The forum produces a quarterly magazine.  To access this click here:
Mar 06  pages 1 & 2   173 Kb      Mar 06  pages 3 & 4   117kb

Publicity campaigns are undertaken to promote particular benefit entitlements using all forms of media advertising and news stories to raise awareness generally as well as promotion to targeted audience such as new housing tenants, pensioners and school children.  Currently the Council is undertaking a staff awareness campaign using this poster and includes advertising of benefits on pay slips. 

Date Last updated : 24/03/06