Based within East Ayrshire Council, the Financial Inclusion Team supports vulnerable people to ensure that they are receiving their full and correct benefit entitlement.
We undertake to maximise the income of vulnerable people, and can provide assistance to claim benefits, seek a review of an existing award and challenge DWP decisions. We also provide representation at appeal tribunal hearings.
We can also assist with budgeting advice and one-off debt issues, i.e. rent arrears. Multiple debt issues will be referred on to Citizens Advice Bureaux.
Where a professional/service is working with a vulnerable person, Financial Inclusion Team will provide advice to that professional working with the individual/family to assist them to help claim relevant benefits. Requests for support and assistance with complex benefit issues will be passed through referral to a Financial Inclusion worker.