WITH the cost of living soaring, families across Neath Port Talbot are being urged to seek advice from their local Welfare Rights Unit to ensure they get all the benefits they are eligible for.

From just April 2021 to the end of January 2022, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Welfare Rights Unit has supported more than 2,000 people with benefit advice, appeal representation and full casework (form completion for example) raising more than £5m in extra income for these clients.

That represents an average of £2,500 per person.

The Welfare Rights Unit is a specialist section dealing with all aspects of helping people claim benefits they are entitled to. If you think you may be able to claim extra benefits but don’t know where to start, then the unit could be able to help.

If you have been turned down for a benefit or have had your benefit stopped and are not sure why, the unit could help. It specialises in representing people at appeals, with the unit currently experiencing high demand in relation to Employment and Support Allowance in particular.

For initial enquiries ring 01639 685225 or e-mail welfarerights@npt.gov.uk.

The Welfare Rights team runs outreach surgery sessions in a number of parts of Neath Port Talbot. Alternatively the team may be able to resolve your problem over the telephone or visit you at home.