Barnsley Council warns 'Benefits advice is free, don't pay for it'

WELFARE Rights officers in Barnsley are advising people making a claim for disability and other state benefits to use their free service as it is not necessary to use companies that charge.

The council’s Welfare Rights Service offers free help to clients, ranging from initial information on benefits and advice on eligibility to assistance with form-filling and appeals.

Peter Francis, manager of the service, says some claimants have paid hundreds of pounds to privately run companies that advertise their services. While charging is perfectly legal, it can lead to an expensive outlay when there is already a completely free service available.

In one case, a client in Nottinghamshire reportedly paid £1,500 to a company for its ‘assistance’ in making a successful claim to the Department for Work and Pensions; this sum was 45 per cent of the amount awarded to the claimant.

Mr Francis said: “I would urge people who read a newspaper, website or leaflet advert from any company that offers supposedly free benefits advice to be extremely cautious. These adverts target clients going through the benefits appeal process and often promise a high amount of benefits pay-back. However, there may be a sting in the tail in the shape of a hefty commission fee.

“Clearly, claimants are entitled to 100 per cent of their benefits and I would encourage Barnsley residents to contact the council’s own free service, not privately run companies that charge.”

The Welfare Rights Service can be contacted by calling the free advice line between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, on 0800 915 3339 (mobile phones may incur a charge), by visiting any Barnsley Connects office or phoning (01226) 775656.

ENDS