How can I contact the Welfare Benefits Advisor?

The Welfare Benefits Advisor for residents of Atlantic Housing can be contacted on

023 8061 6679 or via email at welfarebenefitsadvisor@atlantichousing.co.uk.

What does the Welfare Benefits Advisor do?

Provides advice and assistance with welfare benefits (eg. Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance, etc) to residents / occupants of Atlantic Housing properties.

This can include:

• carrying out a welfare benefits check to see if residents are claiming everything to which they are entitled
• filling out claim forms
• liaising with benefit agencies, councils, other appropriate authorities
• assisting with revisions, appeals and changes of circumstances
• representation at appeals tribunals
• raising residents’ understanding of their benefits and the way the benefits system works.

How do I refer a resident or myself to the Welfare Benefits Advisor?

There is no formal referral process operating currently. Referrals can simply be taken by email, telephone or by post.

What information does the Welfare Benefits Advisor need to know?

The Advisor needs to know your name, address and telephone number. An idea of your age and what is required is helpful, such as "general benefits check", "help to claim attendance allowance", or "having problems with tax credits" for example.

If you have any issues around disability, vulnerability or other particular needs (such as literacy difficulties, hearing problems, communication difficulties, etc) it would also be helpful to know in advance to ensure we take this into account when contacting and supporting you.

What happens after the referral?

The Welfare Benefits Advisor will normally contact you by telephone and arrange a convenient appointment. For a general benefits check, at the appointment the Welfare Benefits Advisor uses the personal information you have given regarding income, benefits and capital to assess against the eligibility criteria for relevant benefits.

The Advisor will assist you where necessary through to completion or resolution of the benefits issue.

If you have been referred by another agency, the Advisor does not normally provide updates to the referrer unless requested to do so.

For more information, please telephone

023 8061 6679 or email welfarebenefitsadvisor@atlantichousing.co.uk.