Welfare Rights Service

What is it?

Our Welfare Rights service supports clients by offering welfare benefit and debt advice to adults in Hackney. Our information is free, independent, impartial and confidential.

We can also support individuals access their full benefit entitlements. We provide advice and support to clients in applying for a range of benefits such as:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Housing benefit
• Winter Fuel Payments
• Pension Credit
• Any Other Benefits Entitlements

Many people with mental health conditions can find it difficult to understand and access the complex benefits system and to get the support they need. At Mind CHWF, we strive to ensure that everyone with experience of mental health difficulties has access to support and that they are treated fairly and with respect.

Peer Support

Mind CHWF’s Welfare Rights team employs peer workers with lived experience of mental ill health and the benefits system. We are currently recruiting more and are accepting expressions of interest. For more information on this paid opportunity, please click here.

Who is it for?

The Welfare Rights service is for those who:

• Are 18 or over
• Live in Hackney, or who are registered with a Hackney GP
• Are experiencing a mental health condition

We help with:

• Making the initial claim
• Filling out medical questionnaires
• Attending health assessments
• Managing your claim
• Disputing incorrect decisions made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Appealing and representing at First-Tier Social Security Tribunals

We also run the Universal Credit Advice Service which offers specialist independent support with Universal Credit and offers clients the opportunity to feed into national campaigning efforts.

How to get it?

To make a referral, please click here.