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

Food Banks

More details on these are below.

The Mildred Trust

Rural Community Compassion in Action. Creating equality of opportunity for people in rural areas including Tenterden and the surrounding areas.

The Mildred Trust's longer-term objectives are:

Reducing food insecurity
Increasing social opportunities and participation
Increasing local partnerships and collective impact

Visit The Mildred Trust Facebook page to see their current schemes.

Pneuma Church UK

Pneuma Church operate from their shop in North Street, called the Wardrobe. They offer the following service – Monday to Friday

The Wardrobe will have the following help available:

Clothing (men's, women's, and infant through school age)
School uniform (mostly generic, some logo-ed)
Toiletries (all ages and genders)
Food (emergency food parcels and a pantry containing fresh food options)

Address: 1-3 North Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8JN

Phone: 01233 421292

Visit the Pneuma Church website for further details.

Bright City Church

Visit the Bright City Church website for further details.

Repton Community Trust/People's Pantry: Supporting our community together

Repton Community Trust, through the People's Pantry initiative, is committed to ensuring that no individual or family in our community goes without essential support. Thanks to the assistance of Ashford Borough Council, Repton Community Trust can extend their reach and provide vital resources to those in need.

The People's Pantry is more than a food bank; it's a hub of community connection and compassion. Whether you're facing financial hardship or food insecurity or simply need guidance during challenging times, they are there to help.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the People's Pantry, getting help is simple:

Visit: Drop by Repton Community Centre during their opening hours.
Contact: Call on 01233 80 80 23 or email info@reptonct.uk.
Confidential Assistance: Repton Community Trust's team understands that asking for help can be difficult. As such, they ensure a warm, non-judgmental environment where your privacy is respected.

Repton Community Trust is proud to be part of a community that stands together in solidarity. By working with Ashford Borough Council, they are expanding their ability to provide food, hope, dignity and a brighter future for everyone in Ashford.