Pilot Scheme Encourages Benefit Claims

A pilot scheme has been launched to encourage people to access their full benefit entitlements.

Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland said his Department was working with Lisburn City Council to ensure vulnerable people get the right access to benefits.

He said: "While my Department has been very successful in increasing benefit uptake – with over 4,000 people claiming £13.1 in new and additional benefits in 2011/12 - I am committed to building on this success and to exploring new ways of ensuring that all those who are entitled to benefits receive them.

"This has resulted in a 'Clinic Model' pilot scheme which is unique in combining the expertise of government, civic partners, churches, and voluntary and community groups, to help target both new and existing customers, of all ages. I am very excited to see our partner organisations working together and look forward to seeing the outcome of the pilot scheme."

The scheme will see posters and leaflets supplied to churches, voluntary groups and community organisations to encourage people to get a benefit entitlement check with a Social Security Agency community outreach officer.

The check is for all ages and covers a range of benefits and services like entitlement to the Warm Homes scheme, the Boiler Replacement scheme, rates relief and housing benefit.

Councillor Uel Mackin, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Strategic Policy Committee, said: "It is encouraging to note that benefit-uptake is increasing in many areas. However, this is not generally the case in the Downshire area. For example, of a target audience in the financial year 2010/11 who were offered a benefit entitlement check from Minister McCausland, the uptake was 38% and this reduced slightly in 2011/12 to 37%."

A dedicated freephone ‘Make the Call’ Benefits Advice Line is available on 0800 232 1271.

(IT)