The Welfare Rights Team
Our aim is to improve income for Sandwell citizens and in doing so this provides a better quality of life. We give free independent and impartial advice and support on all welfare benefits.
We can help with:
- giving general guidance and support.
- completion of all welfare benefit forms.
- offer representation at appeal tribunals.
- giving advice and support for people who have overpayments of benefits.
- benefits payments when they cease or are reduced.
- offering appointments to discuss any help with benefits issues.
- offering home visits (where appropriate).
Please contact us without hesitation if you have any of the above benefit concerns.
We will contact you within 10 working days following receipt of the referral.
Who can we help?
- older people
- families with children
- people with health problems (including mental health)
- carers
- people with learning disabilities
- people in low paid work
- jobseekers
What have we already achieved?
During the last financial year (April 2024 – March 2025) we assisted 10,861 Sandwell residents and helped them to claim money they were entitled to totalling £21.2 million.
Need help in a crisis?
If you are in a situation where you are awaiting a new claim for benefit to be processed. You may be able to claim a short term benefit advance. If you require food, money for fuel or items for your home you may be able to claim a Local Welfare Provision if you are receiving a qualifying benefit.
Would I qualify for Personal Independence Payment?
You may qualify if you are severely or mentally disabled and you require help with you personal care needs or have difficulties walking short distances or with going outdoors. There are descriptors that are assessed by the Department for Works and Pensions and Capita, the company that conduct the medicals following your claim and points are calculated up. It is a benefit with two components and both components have a standard and enhanced rate.
I have failed my Universal Credit medical - what are my options?
If you disagree with the decision you can ask for an explanation and request reconsideration in writing, on your Universal Credit journal or by phone. You will not be paid whilst the Department for Works and Pensions are reconsidering the decision, however you will paid your standard allowance in the meantime.
It is important you look at the descriptors and regulations that have been assessed and consider where you should have scored points. You can ask the Welfare Rights team for help and it may be possible for us to represent your case if we believe it has merit.
However if you agree with the decision to have failed your request for Limited Capability for Work you must discuss your claimant committment requirements with your work coach.
Can welfare rights look at my appeal and represent my case?
Yes, we welcome referrals from residents of Sandwell. We will arrange an appointment for you to see a Welfare Rights representative and can represent in many cases if we believe your case has a good chance of being changed to an allowance of benefit at the tribunal. Please do not delay in contacting us; it is wise to discuss your case as soon as your benefit is disallowed. We can represent at appeal tribunals covering all social security benefits.
I've lost my appeal what options do I have?
If you disagree with an appeal decision you can request the statement of reasons and record of proceedings. You have a month to do this from the date of the appeal decision. Discuss your case further with your Welfare Rights representative. If there is an error of law or documentation that has not been considered you may be able to take your case to the upper tribunal or get a set aside.
Can I apply for help with housing benefits?
Universal Credit was introduced in Sandwell in November 2018 for all new claimants who need support with housing costs.
There are some groups that may be able to claim Housing Benefit, and these are:
- Those in receipt of a State Retirement Pension (dependent on household occupants, income and savings)
- Those is temporary accommodation
- Those living in certain types of supported accommodation
- Those already in receipt of Housing Benefit and moving to another property within Sandwell
I've been advised I have to pay rent because of the bedroom tax and I'm in financial hardship. Is there anything I can claim to help me?
An up to date benefit check would ensure that you are claiming all that you are entitled to. You may be entitled to some short term help in the form of a Discretionary Housing Payment.
I am already in receipt of Personal Independence Payments but my condition is deteriorating, should I report this?
You can report that your health has deteriorated and you will be re-assessed. It is best to seek advice from Welfare Rights to discuss your current award as requesting a review will re-assess your whole award.
Do I qualify for Universal Credit?
Please use the online benefits calculator. If you are responsible for a child or young person you may be able to qualify. You may also be able to qualify if your income is low.
Are there any benefits that I may be entitled to claim?
Find out more information about any benefits that you may be eligible to claim.
How do I contact the Welfare Rights team?
For further details about benefits and how we can help you please contact us.