Kirkintilloch Welfare Rights Service marks three million reasons to be proud

Hillhead Housing Association's Welfare Rights Service has reached a major milestone - bringinging in more than £3million in benefits since it was first set up in 2005.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Mar 2016, 14:51 BST
Updated 5th Mar 2016, 10:18 BST
Cake celebrationsCake celebrations
Cake celebrations

The service, based in Kirkintilloch, has dealt with almost 3,000 cases, helping tenants claim additional benefits, appeal decisions, and check ongoing benefit entitlements.

The occasion was marked by the cutting of a £3million cake with Moira Escreet and members of the Welfare Rights User Group (Margaret Stafford, Helen Henderson and Larry Stokes) looking on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Due to the success and demand for the service they have had to take on a second welfare rights worker with the support of the Big Lottery.

Morag Bisset joined the Association in 2014 and, together with Moira, continues to offer advice and assistance to any tenant who needs their help.

They now have an active service users group which meets regularly to make contributions to the Welfare Rights Newsletter, as well as offer feedback and suggestions as to how the service can be improved or changed to meet new issues.

As the Benefits Rules change and Universal Credit is rolled out they are aiming to continue to offer support advice and assistance to tenants to ensure they are able to claim what they are entitled to.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The service also provides advice on a range of other issues including health benefits, blue badges, travel cards, and educational benefits such as EMA or clothing grants.

The next meeting of the User Group is due to take place in May 2016.

If you are interested in finding out more or require some benefits advice please contact either Moira on 0141 776 8630 or Morag on 0141 776 8631.