Welfare Intervention Officers

Here to help you!

Our Welfare Intervention Officers work to support people who need help with any housing or benefit related issues. They can give you practical advice and signpost you to other helpful organisations. They can help you complete any council forms online if you’re unable to do it without assistance

They can refer you to specialist organisations who can help you with specific finance queries or help returning to work. They can also help with the following issues:

Council Tax advice, including Council Tax debt advice
Claiming Council Tax reduction or housing benefit
Claiming Discretionary Housing Payments or Council Tax Exceptional Circumstances Payments
General housing advice, including advice regarding rent arrears
Referrals for homelessness advice
General advice around claiming other benefits and support, such as Universal Credit, and other Department for Work and Pension benefits
Provide more information about the crisis and resilience fund, when it is available.
Refer you for support with energy via our Warm Homes Energy Advisor

Struggling to pay your Council Tax?

If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax there may be several options available to you. The Welfare Intervention Officers can help explain your options, and help you apply for any support you may be entitled too. Some example of what can be put in place if you are struggling are:

If your savings are below £10,000 (£16,000 for pensioners) you may be entitled to Council Tax Reduction. To estimate your entitlement visit the Entitled To website.
If you do qualify for help towards paying your Council Tax you can claim online.
If your savings are above £10,000, or you don't qualify for Council Tax Reduction, but your income has dropped or you are experiencing cash flow problems you can contact us to discuss your instalments. For example, if you don't already have your instalments spread into February and March, this can be considered.
To discuss your Council Tax instalments please email the revenues team.
If you are still struggling to make payments, you can make an application for an Exceptional Circumstances Payment. You don't need to qualify for Council Tax Reduction to make a claim for Exceptional Circumstances Payment.
If you would like to talk through your options our Welfare Intervention Officers can help.
If you would like someone to discuss your Housing Benefit/Council Tax reduction claim on your behalf, please complete a disclosure form.
If you would like someone to discuss your Council Tax account on your behalf please complete a disclosure form.

You can also get advice and support from organisations other than the council. The following organisations can offer advice:

Ashford Borough Citizens Advice;
Shelter.
Money Helper for impartial debt advice - scroll to the bottom and select "get debt advice".
Kent Money Advice Hub for free, confidential, independent and impartial advice.

So if you need advice or support from the Council's Welfare Intervention Officers – don't delay, contact us today!

Timetable of Drop in Sessions

Welfare Intervention Officers run weekly drop in sessions, where you can turn up for advice and support with no appointment needed.

Mondays – 10am - 11:30am – drop in session specifically aimed at refugees. Baptist Church, Ashford Town Centre
First Wednesday of every month 1pm – 4pm - drop in at One You, Gateway, Ashford Town Centre
Last Friday of every month 10:30am - 12.00pm, Salvation Army, Cudworth Road