The Welfare Rights Service – what we do
The service offers help to all residents in Barnsley with all aspects of claiming benefits and tax credits.
It is a free, confidential and impartial service with the aim of ensuring that everyone receives their full entitlement from the social security system. We give customers the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their circumstances. This includes:
- information on all benefits and tax credits, including housing and council tax benefits
- benefit checks to ensure that all relevant benefits are in payment
- advice on individual circumstances
- better off calculations for those returning to work to show how current benefits will be replaced by wages and in-work benefits
- assistance with benefit claims
- advice on benefit decisions
- tribunal representation where necessary
Can the Welfare Rights Service meet your needs?
The service offered is totally confidential and centered on the needs of the customer rather than the benefit providers. The aim of the service is to always act in the best interests of the customer when giving information and advice.
The Welfare Rights service in Barnsley has many years of experience in advocacy on all aspects of social security law. Individually, the team has different backgrounds and work experience, but shares a commitment to ensuring that the people of Barnsley get the best possible service when they most need it.
Whether helping someone claim for the first time, or helping to get back a benefit taken away, the team secures millions of pounds in benefits every year for our clients.
How can you contact us?
If you require any help / assistance from the Welfare Rights service, or would like to request a leaflet, please
email: welfarerightsteam@barnsley.gov.uk
Telephone the advice line: 01226 772360
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Contact Welfare Rights: 01226 775656
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.30pm
Call into any Barnsley Connects office where officers will put you through to the Welfare Rights service.
Additional information
We try to give as much information and advice as we can when you telephone us to solve the problem you have or to take the appropriate action needed. If needed, we will offer a face-to-face appointment.
We provide advice sessions at various locations throughout the borough - please telephone the advice line for full details. We will try to make an appointment that suits your needs
We also provide advice sessions at various general practitioners throughout the borough. Your doctor or other health professional can refer you to this service.
For people affected by cancer the service offers specialist advisors working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.
Please see below for an example of information on the three more common benefits:
How you can help?
Please have all relevant documentation with you. In particular:
- the decision you have received if you wish to appeal.
- your National Insurance number
- a pen and paper
Response times/Next steps
The service will try to answer all queries over the phone but if needed they will arrange an appointment or home visit to see you.
The service tries to answer the telephone within five rings.
Requests for a home visit are acknowledged within six working days.
Letters and electronic mail are acknowledged within two working days
Messages left for officers are returned within 24 hours unless notified otherwise.
Service standards
Related services
Other useful websites
- DirectGov-Money,Tax and Benefits
- DirectGov - Hospital stays and your benefits
- Valuation Office Agency (Rent Service)
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Disability Alliance
- Department for Work And Pensions
- Age Concern
- Royal National Institute for the Blind
Reference: PID189
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