Reaping Benefits for South Tyneside Residents
More money than ever before has been secured for South Tyneside residents by a team which helps people navigate the benefits system.
South Tyneside's Welfare Support Team offers a free, confidential welfare benefits and debt advice service to ensure residents are receiving the help they are entitled to. The team also helps people recover benefits at appeal which have been stopped by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Last year the team was tasked with maximising benefits take-up to help people through the cost-of-living crisis. However, they have smashed their target with more than £7.5 million secured so far in the current financial year. This is more than a £1million increase on the previous year.
One person who cannot praise the team enough is a 70-year-old lady from Jarrow. She was recommended the service by her neighbour after she was struggling to manage on her basic state pension.
She had been turned down for Attendance Allowance twice but has now been awarded this after a Welfare Support adviser called for her case to be reconsidered. In addition, she now receives pension credit which has increased her income by almost £9,000 a year.
The lady said: "Before going to the Welfare Support team, I couldn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. The cost-of-living crisis made everything so much harder and sometimes it was a case of eating or heating.
"The girl who worked with me was a godsend, she was an absolute diamond. I felt I was in the gutter and she brought me out of it, she fought tooth and nail for me.
"The extra money has made a massive difference to my life. I used to have to borrow from my friend every week and life was a real struggle but now I feel like a new woman. I would absolutely recommend the team to anyone - they are fantastic."
Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, said: "The cost-of-living crisis has led to a huge rise in calls for help to the Welfare Support Team at levels never seen before. However, they have risen to the challenge and I would like to place on record my thanks to them for going above and beyond for our residents.
"The money we have secured for residents is helping to sustain tenancies and homes, feed families, keep homes warm and safe during periods of cold weather, and also helps to support the local economy and local businesses as residents have that money to spend in the Borough."
The team offers face-to-face, telephone or home visits appointments. To contact the team, call 0191 424 6040 or email welfaresupport@southtynesidehomes.org.uk
For information on other cost of living support available, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/costofliving