Benefits bus is back in town

WARRINGTON people who think they may be entitled to claim benefits can find out – when a Benefits Bus comes town.
The bus will be outside the market in the town centre from 10am to 3pm from Monday, July 13 to Friday July 17.
It will be manned by the borough council’s benefit take-up officer, Mike Andrews, and his team of experts who will be able to provide advice on the whole range of benefits including housing and council tax benefits, attendance allowance and tax credits.
Council tax benefit offers anyone on a low income help towards paying their bills and many people, particularly pensioners who own their own home, are unaware that they have the right to this help.
The Benefits Bus is accessible to everyone with no appointment necessary. It offers advice, claims forms, etc and is equipped with disabled access, a private interview room, satellite and internet access which allows for immediate benefit estimates to be made for residents.
Adrian Webster, the council’s benefit manager said: “We believe that hundreds of people in Warrington are missing out on thousands of pounds of unclaimed benefit. Either people don’t know that they are entitled to benefits or they are put off applying by the thought of paperwork. We will be using the bus to try and help as many people as possible and will have staff there to help with any forms that need filling in.
“By taking this service into the community we hope to make sure that local residents are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to.”
Visit www.warrington.gov.uk/creditcrunch to find out how the council and its partners can help get through the credit crunch.
Picture… Wolfie drops in for some advice from the Benefits Bus.