Benefits Advice

Hi Folks!

Linus McCloskey our welfare rights worker

My name is Linus McCloskey. I am Westcountry Housing's Welfare Rights Worker.

My job is to ensure that Westcountry Housing Association residents claim all the welfare benefits that they are entitled to, and to assist when benefit queries arise.

It is widely accepted that millions of pounds in benefits goes unclaimed in Britain each year.

I spend half my working week working directly with Residents, and the other half providing training and support in welfare benefits to Westcountry staff. 

I am happy to discuss benefit issues by phone and may make home visits when necessary.  Call me on 01803 869703. The service I provide includes:

  • Highlighting various welfare benefits that Residents may not be aware they can claim.
  • Assisting with filling in claim forms where necessary.
  • Supporting Residents in having unfavourable benefit decisions looked at again.
  • Representing Residents at welfare benefit Appeal hearings when appropriate.   

I also provide benefit information in 'Coast to Coast', our residents' newsletter; so make sure you remember to read my column!

Supported Housing Residents, or residents receiving help from Housing Support staff, should ask their support worker or scheme manager for help with welfare benefits.

If you have access to the internet, there are a number of useful websites providing benefits information and I have included their phone numbers and addresses in case you need to call or visit them.

Citizens Advice Bureau...  http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/benefits.htm
Benefits...  http://www.entitledto.co.uk/
Work etc..  https://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/HomeIR.aspx