Our Benefits Form Filling project runs in partnership with Citizens Advice Sutton and Together for Sutton. Residents are referred to Volunteer Centre Sutton to meet with a trained volunteer, to help them complete vital benefits forms to access financial support.
This project has been running since April 2023 and to date, our volunteers have supported over 250 residents and have helped secure successful claims worth over £250,000!
A huge thank you to Atula Gor and Citizens Advice Sutton who train our Volunteers on the details of a range of benefits forms. Once trained, our Volunteers are equipped with the skills and expertise to meet with residents, to understand their unique situations, and assist them with completing a variety of benefits forms including PIP Forms, PIP Reviews, Disability Living Allowance for Children, Capability for Work Forms (UC50 & ESA50) and Attendance Allowance Forms.
Following an extensive follow-up exercise, we’re delighted to be able to say that 65% of completed claims so far have been successful!
Not only is this service literally reaping rewards, but our Volunteers are helping build better lives for residents, and making them feel helped and supported.
Residents’ feedback:
“Just wanted to say thank you so much for your support in completing the DLA and I am pleased to let you know that I have been offered the enhanced rate. Thanks again you guys do an amazing job and makes a difference in people's lives. God bless you all.”
and
“Thank you to you all for all your help with my PIP form. It is a very stressful process but your volunteer made me feel much more at ease with his calm and supportive approach and was very kind and patient when I felt slightly overwhelmed with certain questions.”
And one of our longest serving Volunteers Nina said:
“It is really heart warming to know the application was successful. Personally I feel privileged to be able to help someone so I really appreciate the chance to do so.”
Interested in joining our team of Benefits Form Filling Volunteers? Please give us your details here and one of the team will be in touch soon. If you have any questions about this project, either about becoming a Benefits Form Filling volunteer, or about referrals, please contact Sandra Lewis at sandralewis@vcsutton.org.uk.
