With an estimated £2bn of unclaimed benefits in Wales, a renewed
effort is underway to make sure people get the financial support
they're entitled to and maximise their household incomes.
With a £36 million investment from the Welsh Government, free and
confidential advice is available to guide people through the
claims process through the Single Advice Fund income maximisation
services.
This is backed by the Welsh Government's Claim What's Yours national
benefit take-up campaign which is currently running. Whether it's
applying for Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance, or
Pension Credit, help is available through the Advicelink Cymru
Claim What's Yours helpline for anyone needing assistance with
their financial entitlements.
Since its launch in 2020, the Single Advice Fund services helped
people across Wales secure £160m in additional income and wiping
out £43.6m in debts. Last year alone, the Claim What's Yours
helpline, which is funded by the Welsh Government and run by
local Citizens Advice services, helped 36,800 people resolve over
120,000 financial, housing, and employment issues.
Dylan Jordan, an adviser at Bridgend Citizens
Advice said: "Many people come to Citizens Advice
wanting help but not knowing where to start. We check they're
getting the money they are entitled to and any urgent support
they need right now. It might be a food parcel, a fuel voucher,
or just a bit of help with the cost of school uniforms through
the Welsh Government. We will try our best to help you move
forward."
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, , said: "Ensuring people
claim what they are entitled to makes a positive difference to
families across Wales. We're committed to putting money back into
people's pockets. Whether you're struggling with daily expenses,
managing debt, or unsure about what help is available, there is
support for you in claiming the financial help you're entitled
to.”
The Welsh Government is also working with local authorities and
other partners to make the benefits, grants and other payments
such as Free School Meals, Schools Essentials Grant and Council
Tax Reduction Scheme as simple to claim as they possibly can be.
As part of the work to streamline Welsh Benefits, a new £550,000
pilot project with data analytics company, Policy in Practice, is
working with 11 local authorities to identify and reach out to
people who may not realise they're eligible for support.
Neath Port Talbot Council have already undertaken work with
Policy in Practice, which produced significant income gains in
the take up of pension credit.
Advicelink Cymru Claim What's Yours advisors are ready to
help you check your eligibility for extra income and guide you
through the claiming process. For free advice, call 0800 702
2020.
Notes to editors
Councillor , WLGA spokesperson for
Finance said: "We fully support the Welsh Government's
efforts to help people claim the financial support they're
entitled to. Ensuring that families and individuals get the
benefits they're eligible for can make a real difference,
especially during tough times, like the ongoing cost-of-living
crisis. By making it simpler for people to access the support
they need, we can not only improve the financial well-being of
individuals but also strengthen communities across Wales.
“The WLGA is committed to working with local authorities,
community groups, and partners to simplify the claims process and
help people understand the support available.”
Deven Ghelani, Policy in Practice's director and
founder, said: “We're delighted to partner with the
Welsh Government and local authorities to proactively put £2
billion of unclaimed benefits and support into the pockets of
people in Wales. As our work with Neath Port Talbot Council has
already shown, the extra money can boost family's incomes,
providing much needed relief this winter, and beyond."
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice will deliver a statement
on these initiatives in the Senedd on 14 January.
