Expert benefits help and advice

Information for members of the public

The Welfare Rights Service gives free, confidential expert benefits advice.

We help to make sure that people are getting the right benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Salford Council and others. We advise you so that:
  • You know what benefits you have a right to and claim, and
  • Benefit decision makers deal with your case fairly.
We do this by giving advice, contacting benefit decision makers and speaking on behalf of Salford people to make sure their benefits are correct.

The Welfare Rights Service can help you if you live in Salford and need help with:

  • Benefits you can claim
  • Help completing benefit forms (except for new Universal Credit applications which are done through Citizens Advice)
  • Advice and assistance:
    • We can help you if benefits are wrongly refused (including Universal Credit)
    • We can help you if you have money taken off your benefits incorrectly
    • We can help you if benefits have been stopped or cut due to benefit sanctions
    • We can help you if you have been given the wrong amount of money
  • We may speak on your behalf in appeal tribunals when appealing about your benefit claims

Welfare Rights Service cannot help you with:

  • Housing (unless there is housing debt - owing money), health or employment issues
  • Child Support Agency (CSA) issues – you can contact the Child Maintenance Service 0800 171 2345 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
  • Anything related to the law unless it is about benefits or debt
  • Or, Universal Credit new applications (contact Citizens Advice) 0800 144 8444 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)

How do I refer myself or another person for benefits advice?

You can contact welfare rights by:

  • Completing our online referral form. You can refer yourself or somebody can refer you (if referring somebody, you may need them with you as the form asks for personal details).

Complete our online referral form

  • Call 0800 345 7375 (10am to 12pm, Mondays to Friday – except bank holidays) - you can't leave a voicemail outside these hours.

(If you are a professional working with someone you are referring for welfare rights advice, feel free to contact our advice line for consultancy advice before making a referral).

  • Through your GP practice or health centre

You can make an appointment to see a Welfare Rights Officer at some GP surgeries or health centres (if you are registered there), if you're GP is at:

Ring the reception of your health centre, practice or surgery and ask for the next available appointment with a Welfare Rights Officer. Other types of appointment may be available if there is no alternative.

This page was last updated on 26 November 2024

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