News and press releases
Call Up About Housing And Council Tax Benefit
Press release
South Tyneside Council has improved the way it deals with Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims with the launch of a new telephone service.
The Council has introduced the telephone system to enable people to talk to a Benefits officer over the telephone and have all the necessary forms completed by the officer. Those who need to provide evidence of circumstances can also make an appointment to see someone face to face and show their documents.
The new assisted claims service means people can ask as many questions as they like about their application and the Benefits Team can get all the information they need to process the application there and then.
It will also help to reduce the time it takes to process a claim and enable customers to receive their benefits sooner.
Councillor Ed Malcolm, Lead Member for Resources, said: "These new arrangements will make the whole application process much smoother and provide a better service for benefit customers.
"They will be able to talk over their application with a benefits assessor and receive expert advice and help, without the inconvenience of filling in forms and making several visits to Council offices. The Benefits Team will also be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to process a claim so people will receive their payments much quicker.
"The Council is committed to providing a quality service to people claiming Housing and Council Tax benefits and we will continue to find new ways of making it easier for people to get the benefits they are entitled to."
People can telephone the Benefits Office directly on (0191) 424 4333 to:-
- Make a New Claim for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit;
- Notify the Council of changes in circumstances and change of addresses;
- Book an appointment with a Benefits officer;
- Ask about an existing claim;
- Have general enquiries resolved over the telephone.
For further information call the Benefits Team on (0191) 424 4333, available from Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5pm, and on Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Pres/b&a/fin/b/khpr570ck
