Serving and ex-service personnel ‘missing out on benefits’

Citizens Advice runs a free and confidential debt and benefits advice service for personnel, their dependants and carers in partnership with the Royal British Legion and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Derek Alcorn explained: “Given the current economic climate many people are experiencing financial hardship and Citizens Advice is here to help.

“We offer a tailored debt and benefits service to serving and ex-service personnel, their dependants and carers.

“We have found that 60% of clients are not receiving their full benefit entitlement and are therefore experiencing unnecessary financial hardship in what are already difficult times for most people.

“Since its launch here in 2009, the project has proven very effective in helping people to tackle their financial problems, especially in helping them to secure their benefit entitlements and in tackling debt problems. In 2011 we extended into a telephone advice helpline which has further added to the accessibility of the service.”

He added: “In the last year, the project helped 795 individuals in Northern Ireland. Over £884,000 in additional benefits were identified, while clients were helped to reduce their total debt by over £286,000. That means that over £1.1 million pounds has been released towards helping clients address financial difficulties.

“The service is keen to assist in whatever way we can. Trained advisors can be contacted on 0845 266 6696 or by email on [email protected]. We look forward to continuing to make a real difference through this project in 2012 and encourage people to get in touch.”