MANAGING BENEFIT CHANGES

If you have been notified that you need to change to a new benefit such as Universal Credit or PIP and are concerned about the impact it may have on you and your family, contact us. Talk to us before migrating to a new benefit to see whether you are entitled to any additional financial support.

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DISABILITY BENEFITS

Disability benefits are designed to support people with extra costs arising from their disability such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP). They are not means-tested and they can give you an entitlement to other benefits, elements and premiums.

Please contact us if you have any questions or need help identifying which benefits you may be entitled to. 

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CARERS BENEFITS

Carer’s benefits are for the carer in recognition of their caring role and the impact this has on their lives. The person who is being cared for may be entitled to disability benefits.

Carers have certain rights, including employment rights, having an assessment and receiving direct payments.

To request a carer’s assessment, contact the Carer Coordinator in the Southern HSC Trust 

BEREAVEMENT BENEFITS

Bereavement benefits provide support with meeting the costs related to the death of a close relative. 

The Bereavement Service offers relatives a single point of contact for reporting a death to the Department for Communities and helps them access any other benefits they may be entitled to.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal Credit is a payment for people over 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare, and financial support for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work. If you claim any other benefit it is important you seek advice before applying for Universal Credit.  

OUT OF WORK BENEFITS

There are certain benefits that you can claim if you are unemployed such as Jobs Seekers Allowance (JSA) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA). This includes if you are unable to work because of an illness or disability. 

Talk to us to find out what you could be eligible to claim until you are back on your feet.

DEBT ADVICE

If you need help to manage your debt, contact our Debt Service. Our specialist team can provide advice, information and support to help you take back control of your finances, including:
• Free, confidential tailored debt advice
• Budgeting advice
• Solutions to deal with your debt
• Negotiating with creditors on your behalf

Meet our Advisers at local Community Centres. Click here to find out more.

HELP WITH HOUSING COSTS

You may be able to get help with certain housing costs such as rent, rates, and mortgage interest payments.   

At Community Advice ABC, our Advisers provide housing related advice for tenants, homeowners and those looking for accommodation. 

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Information on repairs for NIHE and Housing Association Tenants

APPEAL & TRIBUNAL REPRESENTATION

If you do not agree with the decision made regarding your benefit application, migration or investigation, talk to our specialist Tribunal Advisers who can advise and support you through appealing the decision process and where possible, represent you at your tribunal.

FAMILY ADVICE

Whether you need advice on maternity allowance and maternity pay through to information on Child Benefit, Tax Credits, tax-free childcare and other support available for new parents on a low income, talk to our specialist Advisers.

MACMILLAN MONEY & MORE

If you, or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with cancer, our specialist Macmillan Money & More advisers can provide you with advice to help you with your finances. 

We operate a local telephone helpline and have advisers located at the cancer units across Northern Ireland.

PENSION ADVICE

If you are 50 or over, you can book a free impartial telephone appointment with a local pension specialist. 

One of our specialist advisers will explain the options available to you, giving you information including:

• your pension options
• the tax implications for each option
• your suggested next steps

EMPLOYMENT ADVICE

The types of jobs available has changed enormously, and along with it the types of contracts and employment rights legislation. 

If you have a concern about your employment, call our Advice Line to speak to one of our advisers. 

HMRC/TAX QUERIES

Community Advice advisers can assist with HMRC and Tax related queries including Tax Credits, PAYE and Self employment, Self-Assessment forms, Child Care Costs, Child Benefit, the National Minimum Wage and general tax queries.

CONSUMER ADVICE

Call our Advice Line if you have a query about your rights relating to a product or service that has failed to meet the advertised standards. Our Advisers will explain your rights and the next steps you need to take.

Common queries we receive include:

• Broken products
• Undelivered goods
• Service failures
• Products received not as described
• Delayed or cancelled flights or travel
• Parking tickets

IMMIGRATION ADVICE

If you have a query about your rights relating to immigration into Northern Ireland and your right to remain, our Advisers can only provide basic immigration advice. Our team are not able to help with more complex queries or help you to complete forms.