More Than £44m Claimed In Additional Benefits

The Department of Communities 'Make The Call' campaign has seen more than 9,500 claim an additional over £44 million in benefits.

The figure for 2019-20 brings the total for additional entitlements claimed to over a quarter of a billion pounds since 2005.

The 'Make the Call' service supports people in accessing benefits and services to which they are entitled but have not been claiming.

The additional £262m claimed over the last 15 years has been generated for people in Northern Ireland, many of whom are vulnerable through age or disability, illness or adverse circumstances.

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "The aim of 'Make the Call' is to support people when they need it most. Major life changes such as taking on caring responsibilities, illness or disability, retirement or bereavement can mean people become entitled to a range of different benefits and supports or services.

"Often people don't realise that there is support out there to assist them during such difficult times, which have increased now due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With 'Make the Call' we are actively reaching out to those thousands of people each year in situations where every pound generated can help improve someone's life."

In addition to supporting the uptake of unclaimed benefit, the 'Make the Call' campaign connects people to other services and supports available across the wider government, voluntary and community sectors.

This can include support such as:

• a blue badge for car parking or a free bus pass

• access to local groups to help maintain community connections and social independence

• free school meals

• home safety checks

• assistance with reducing energy costs.

The Minister continued: "Our intervention has helped people who 'Made the Call' become, on average, £88 better off per week. In addition during 2019/20, a total of 665 people have been referred to our partner organisations which help with non-benefit supports and services that can also make a real difference to their lives."

To 'Make the Call' you can phone 0800 232 1271; text ADVICE to 67300; go to nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall or email makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk