The City of Wolverhampton Council has launched a new helpline for people in the city worried about their social security benefit rights and entitlements following the Covid-19 outbreak.
The helpline offers free and confidential advice and information across a whole range of social security benefits including advice on what benefits you may apply for including statutory sick pay, employment and support allowance or Universal Credit.
People can use the helpline to find out what (if any) impact the current situation may have on their existing benefits.
Help will be available for people who are worried because they have forms to complete or a medical to attend.
The helpline, which is run by council’s welfare rights service, can be accessed by email wrs.covid19@wolverhampton.gov.uk or by calling 07966 292321.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am -12pm and 2pm -4pm. The service hopes to respond to queries within 24hrs.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the Council said: “We will support our residents at a time when they need us most.
“Our new helpline provides up to date valuable information about the benefits residents can claim during this current national and local emergency.
“We are working closely with central government to ensure the changes to benefits that were announced in the recent budget, as a result of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), are administered as swiftly as possible.”
Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “This is a hugely challenging time and we know that many people in the city are worried about how they will continue to live and pay their bills. The Council is here to support you in finding out about benefits that you are entitled to and how to make a claim.
“We want people to contact us so that we can help and support you, so please work with us.”
For more information on Social Security benefits go to https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/benefits/benefits-universal-credit-welfare-reform
For more information on City of Wolverhampton Council’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and what to do if you need support, visit Coronavirus advice and information.
