Lyons: Make the Call Wraparound Service generates over £63million in benefits

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has hailed the success of his Department's Make the Call Wraparound Service, which delivered over £63million in unclaimed benefits to people who accessed the service last year.

Make the Call helps people access benefits, support and services to which they are entitled but have not been claiming.

Speaking during a visit to the Make the Call Wraparound Service in Knockbreda, Belfast, Minister Lyons said: “These results highlight the vital role our Make the Call service plays in ensuring that welfare support reaches those who need it most.

“This service helps people access the financial assistance they are entitled to, but may not have been claiming, making sure the right money gets to the right people at the right time.

“With cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect families and individuals across our society, Make the Call has delivered over £63million in additional support, leaving those who have benefitted on average more than £100 a week better off.

“I am particularly pleased that this includes £7.9million in Pension Credit and £16million in Attendance Allowance for older people, as Pension Credit can unlock a range of other vital supports that are a lifeline for our older generations.

“I strongly encourage anyone who thinks they may be entitled to benefits to use this free and confidential service. Our goal is to ensure every penny of available support goes to those who need it most.”

Since 2005, almost £534million in additional benefits has been generated for people across Northern Ireland, many of whom are vulnerable through age, disability, illness, or adverse circumstances, through accessing Make the Call.

Make the Call works in conjunction with a range of partner organisations such as the NI Housing Executive, Housing Rights, Dementia NI and Carers NI.

As well as supporting people in accessing benefits, Make the Call can direct people to additional supports including: blue badges for car parking or free bus passes; access to local groups to help maintain community connections and social independence; help with health costs; home safety checks; and assistance with reducing energy costs.  

To 'Make the Call' you can phone 0800 232 1271 or text ADVICE to 079 8440 5248.       

Visit nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall or email makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk

Notes to editors: 

1. The number of people benefiting after Making the Call was 11,486.
2. Through engagement with the Make the Call Wraparound Service, 1,794 people were supported in successfully accessing Pension Credit, resulting in an additional £7.9million of annualised benefit being generated.
3. Additionally, 3,155 people of pension age were supported in claiming Attendance Allowance with an additional £6million of annualised benefit being generated.