About The Project
Benefits forms can often be overwhelming and confusing, particularly for people experiencing ill health, disability or financial hardship. The project provides free, confidential support to Sutton residents who need help understanding and completing applications for a range of benefits.
Our trained volunteers meet with residents individually to understand their circumstances and guide them through the application process, ensuring they receive the support they are entitled to. The project has helped Sutton residents secure over £1 million in financial support, making a significant difference to people’s wellbeing and quality of life across the borough.
What We Do
Our trained Benefits Form Filling volunteers provide practical, one-to-one support to residents completing a range of benefits applications. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help people navigate complex forms, ensure information is accurately completed, and provide reassurance throughout the process.
The forms we support include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) forms
- PIP reviews
- Disability Living Allowance for Children
- Capability for Work forms (UC50 & ESA50)
- Attendance Allowance forms
- Housing Benefit applications
- Council Tax Reduction applications
Volunteers typically support one appointment session each week, either at Volunteer Centre Sutton or Citizens Advice Sutton. They work with residents from a wide range of backgrounds, often supporting people during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Volunteer Impact
The project continues to grow, with new volunteers regularly joining to support increasing demand across the borough. Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including retired professionals, former public sector workers, administrators and local residents who want to make a positive difference in their community.
"I would like to thank you and your volunteer for the support given in making this claim. At the time, after having a stroke, I was not at my best health-wise, so the support given was really needed. I was unfamiliar with making any sort of claim and felt overwhelmed. A special thank you to the volunteer, who was so supportive and patient in putting all the information together."Benefits Form Filling client
Get Involved
If you are interested in becoming a Benefits Form Filling volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Full training and ongoing support are provided, and volunteers play a vital role in helping residents access essential financial support.
To register your interest, please complete our volunteer enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.
How to Get Support
Residents are referred into the service through Citizens Advice Sutton and Together for Sutton. If you need support or would like to make a referral, please contact Together for Sutton.
If you have any questions about the project, including volunteering or referrals, please contact Sandra Lewis at sandralewis@vcsutton.org.uk.
