Benefits
Expert advice on welfare benefits and financial support. Free, confidential guidance to help you understand your entitlements and resolve benefit issues.
Service overview
Understanding welfare benefits can be complicated, especially if your circumstances change or you’re unsure what you’re entitled to.
At North Yorkshire Citizens Advice & Law Centre, our Money and Benefits team provides clear, practical advice to help you access the support available to you and resolve any problems with your claim.
You can also find general guidance on benefits via the national Citizens Advice website.
Who this service is for
This service is for people across North Yorkshire who need help understanding or claiming welfare benefits, including:
- People in work or unemployed
- People who are sick or disabled
- Parents and carers
- Young people and older people
- Veterans and their families
Key issues covered by this service
Our specialist advisers can offer advice and support to help you, focusing on:
- Checking entitlement to benefits
- Problems with benefit claims or payments
- Understanding eligibility criteria
- Changes in circumstances
- Challenging benefit decisions
What we can help you with
Benefit issues can be stressful, particularly if you’re unsure what you’re entitled to or are experiencing delays or problems with payments. Our trained advisers can help you understand your options and take practical steps to improve your situation.
Examples of support include:
- Carrying out full benefit checks to ensure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to
- Helping you complete benefit application forms
- Explaining eligibility and how different benefits work together
- Supporting you in challenging benefit decisions, including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals
- Advising on issues with delayed, reduced, or stopped payments
Benefits we can advise on
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Maternity benefits
- Bereavement benefits
How we can help
- Provide clear, impartial advice on welfare benefits
- Help you understand your entitlements and options
- Support you with applications and required documentation
- Assist with challenging decisions and resolving issues
- Signpost or refer you to specialist support where needed
How to access our services
Contact methods
- Phone: Call our FREE Adviceline on 0808 278 7900
- Online enquiry: Complete our referral form
- In person: You can access support at our offices and outreach locations across North Yorkshire
We treat all information you share with us in strict confidence. Your details will not be shared without your consent unless required by law.
What to expect when you contact us
When you get in touch, one of our advisers will take the time to understand your situation and identify how we can best support you.
Step 1: Initial contact or referral
Step 2: Assessment of your circumstances
Step 3: Tailored advice and practical next steps
Step 4: Ongoing support where needed
