Welfare Rights

Welfare rights - about us

  • We provide free, independent, confidential advice and representation on social security benefits and tax credits.
  • We provide advice and support to social work, health and housing staff as well as other advisers dealing with benefit problems in Darlington.
  • We work in partnership with Age UK Darlington and Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau through the lottery-funded community advice partnership (cap) to encourage take-up of social security benefits to combat poverty and social exclusion.
  • Housing officers, social workers and other professionals can make direct referrals to us for clients and service users needing benefit advice and help.

Welfare Rights – key achievements

  • Darlington’s Welfare Rights service began in June 2005. So far we have helped Darlington residents claim almost £5 million (£4,944,261) to 31 March 2011) in welfare benefits and tax credits.

Where to get advice

Every year billions of pounds of welfare benefits and tax credits go unclaimed, including up to £3½  billion of Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit. You may be entitled to more money than you are currently receiving.

To find out contact these organisations:

  • Citizens Advice Bureau Darlington, call into their office at Bennett House, 14 Horsemarket or ring 01325 256999
  • If you are over fifty, you can contact Age UK Darlington on 01325 357345
  • For help with Rent and Council Tax, you can contact Darlington Borough Council Housing Benefit - 01325 388514 or hbenquiries@darlington.gov.uk
  • If you are a council tenant you can also contact Darlington Welfare Rights at any time on 01325 388868 or welfarerights@darlington.gov.uk
  • If you have a social worker or receive support from adult or children's services please ask to be referred to Darlington Welfare Rights.
  • Professionals in Darlington can make a referral to our service by phone on 01325 388656, by email welfarerights@darlington.gov.uk or fax. To fax, open the referral form by clicking on the link below, please print off and complete with your contact details before faxing to the Town Hall on 01325 382032.

Don't worry if you don't speak English, all of these services have access to interpreters.

Download the Welfare Rights Referral Form [Word Document]