Welfare reform – information, help and advice.

The government is changing the benefits system. Tower Hamlets Council is therefore encouraging residents to find out how they may be affected.  

How do I know if I’m affected?

If you are claiming housing benefit you are likely to be affected. You may be particularly affected if you have children or other adults living with you. Our advice booklet may help you understand the welfare changes further and our video may also help you think about your options:

The GOV UK website also has information about your benefit entitlement, taxes, and money issues.

And the council’s Benefits Service can provide information about your Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and your entitlement to free school meals.

What help is available?

However you may be affected, there is always help available, online, on the telephone or in person. There is also information available locally and nationally. We have compiled a list of helpful agencies below:

National websites

• GOV UK includes information on benefits and tax credits including eligibility and the appeals process.
• Turn2Us includes a number of tools to explain benefit changes. It has a benefits calculator to help work out your tax credit and benefit entitlement if you are retired, unemployed or in low paid work.
• Citizens Advice Bureau provides advice, guidance and information on money problems, benefits and housing issues.
• Money A+E provides information about services to contact for finance and benefit advice.
• Money Advice Service provides information on a wide range of subjects about managing finances.
• National Debt Line provides information about dealing with debts.
• Shelter provides information and advice on housing issues.

National helpline numbers

National Debt Line: 0808 808 4000

StepChange debt charity: 0800 138 1111

Payplan: 08002802816 (national benefits information and information on grants that are available)

Local services

Advice Agencies (pdf, 88k) provide help and support regarding benefit entitlements and debt problems. However, face to face advice agencies can be stretched in terms of demand on their services, so for general information, national helplines and websites are a good place to start.

Help with finding work (pdf, 238k): there are a number of services in the borough that can provide support and training to help you find work. 

Money Management Services: provide information and support about managing money, help with budgeting, energy efficiency advice and other tips to ‘make every pound count’.

Practitioner guides

This practitioner guide is designed for people working with Tower Hamlets residents, and will provide information about the welfare changes that are taking place. We have also produced checklists (pdf, 173k) to help identify the options that may be open to residents.  

A debt and mental health guide for practitioners outlining what people want Health and Social Care workers to know.  The Royal College of Psychiatrists also have a useful interactive website for health and social care professionals as well as clients.