Maximising incomes with benefit entitlement checks

Last Updated: 29.11.2010

Are you confused by benefits and tax credits? Our Benefits and Welfare Rights Service helps people to understand their entitlement and maximise their income.

Our specially trained Citizens Advice Bureau Benefits and Welfare Rights Advisers provide personalised, independent, confidential and FREE benefit entitlement checks.

Benefit Entitlement Checks

Up to £16.5bn in income-related benefits and tax credits went unclaimed in Britain in 2009-2010.

It’s always a good idea to have a full benefits check if you are in debt or when your circumstances change, especially if you’re not sure if this change makes you eligible for any benefits. Being unaware of benefit entitlements is a common cause of financial hardship. The Benefit Entitlement Check service has been developed to help people maximise their incomes by helping them to understand and claim benefits or tax credits they may be entitled to.

Who carries out the benefit entitlement check?

North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureaux are accredited by Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers to provide Benefits and Welfare Rights Advice to the highest standard. Our Benefits and Welfare Rights Advisers are trained using the nationally recognised and respected Adviser Training Programme, offering FREE, personalised and confidential checks to uncover any entitlement you may have to benefit.

What is the purpose of the benefit entitlement check?

• Help people to claim the correct benefit and tax credit entitlement.
• To use the benefits and tax credits system responsibly.
• Ensure that people are made aware of the importance of reporting any change in circumstances as this could affect their entitlement to benefits and tax credits.

Get a benefits health check now

The benefits system can sometimes be confusing and you might be unsure of how to claim or if you are entitled to any benefits.

To help you we have experienced benefits and welfare rights advisers who can look at your financial situation and give you advice on benefits you might be entitled to as well as help in applying to the different agencies.

The service is completely free and confidential. We would recommend this service if you are:

• On a low income
• A lone parent 
• Suffering from ill health
• Caring for someone who is ill or disabled
• Struggling to pay bills
• Have lost your job
• Need advice about working tax credits or the pension credit scheme
• Currently claiming benefits but your circumstances have changed

What to bring with you

If you would like us to check that you are receiving the benefits and tax credits to which you are entitled please see Welfare Benefit Entitlement Check - what to bring with you.