Family Benefits Advice

Woman sitting at a table writing on a notepad

Are you claiming all the financial help you are entitled to? Are you confused by the different schemes/benefits that are out there, don't know if you are eligible to apply for help or are scared of being left worse off? If you are struggling to understand the different benefits out there and how they can help you and your family, you should seek the help of a Benefits Advisor

Many people don’t realise that they may be entitled to financial support, or assume that because of their circumstances they won’t be eligible. Unfortunately, this means that many families in Northern Ireland are missing out. With increased pressure on families, and rising household costs, ensure this doesn’t apply to you – whatever your circumstances, speak to an Advisor to find out more.

What is a Benefits Advisor?

A Benefits Advisor will look at your individual circumstances to make sure you are receiving all the financial support you are entitled to.

They can work out which schemes or benefits may be more beneficial to you, and complete personalised ‘better off’ calculations.

This may be of particular interest if your current circumstances are changing - perhaps you are thinking of returning to work and want to see how much better off you may be? Or you have had a baby and will be paying for registered childcare to enable you to work.

There are different organisations throughout Northern Ireland that can offer you free and confidential benefits advice.

Check your circumstances with an advisor:

Employers For Childcare's Family Benefits Advice Service: 028 9267 8200

The Family Benefits Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice to parents on the financial support available with registered childcare costs as well as other help that may be available. The Advisors also provide guidance to employers on issues relating to childcare, employment entitlements and workplace legislation. They can help, if you are a parent with dependent children, and you are:

working and have registered childcare costs
unsure of what financial support you may be entitled to receive if you start or go back to work
unable to work due to difficulties accessing or affording childcare
thinking about changing your hours of work
struggling to manage work and family responsibilities

The Advisors are available by phone 028 9267 8200 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or by emailing hello@employersforchildcare.org Last year, the team identified an average of £2,800 in financial support for parents who asked for a personal benefits check and in the last five years, have helped families identify £54.5 million in financial support

Advice NI Tax & Benefits Helpline: 0800 915 4604

Freephone telephone number for confidential advice on Tax and Benefits issues, such as:

Universal Credit
Tax Credits
Child Benefit
PAYE
Self Assessment
National Minimum Wage

Helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or email an Advisor for online advice: advice@adviceni.net

Entitled to - Online Benefits Calculator

A free, anonymous, online tool to find out what benefits you can claim.

(Although online calculators and tools can offer a useful, quick check of benefits, you may also want to speak to an advisor who can take other forms of support or changes in circumstances into consideration and explore different options or scenarios for you). .

Law Centre NI Helpline: 028 9024 4401

Offer free legal advice and assistance on the following issues:

Employment Law
Social Security
Health & Social Care
Immigration & Asylum

Macmillan Cancer Support Helpline: 0808 808 0000

Free advice on financial issues for those affected by cancer, such as:

Help if you are unable to work
Disability related benefits
Looking after someone with cancer
Help with children's costs

Money Helper: 0800 011 3797

Free and impartial money advice. You can find advice and guides online, as well as useful online tools and calculators on all aspects of money management. Talk to an advisor on the online web chat or via their telephone helpline.

Other Benefits Advice

Welfare Changes Freephone Helpline: 0808 802 0020

Email: welfarechanges@adviceni.net

Advice NI operate this helpline (in partnership with Law Centre NI). They can provide advice regarding changes to social security benefits such as Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.

Make The Call NI Helpline: 0800 232 1271

Make the Call is an entitlement check helpline operated by the Department for Communities NI.. They will check if there are unclaimed benefits that you may be entitled to. You will need your national insurance number to hand (and your partner's, if applicable).

Helplines NI :

To find out more about the wide range of Helplines in Northern Ireland providing vital support services visit: helplinesni.com

Help With Registered Childcare Costs :

Find information on the main forms of financial support available towards your childcare costs on our useful article: Help with Childcare Costs.

Remember, if you are entitled to financial help towards your childcare costs, you must be using Approved or Registered childcare provision. View the full range of local, registered and approved childcare providers on our childcare search: Family Support NI.