Benefits Form Filling Volunteer - Volunteer Centre Sutton

Make a real difference! Support clients in tackling benefits forms and increase their chances of receiving the financial help they’re entitled to.

About the Organisation

The Benefits Form Filling service is a free, confidential, impartial and independent service run by Volunteer Centre Sutton's Community Support team, in partnership with Citizens Advice Sutton and Together for Sutton.

What you will be doing

Benefits Forms can often be overwhelming and confusing. Our trained volunteers are equipped with the skills and expertise to meet with clients one-to-one, understanding their unique situations, and assisting them in completing a variety of benefits forms. 

You will be fully trained in all aspects of helping residents to complete various benefits forms and our training is provided by Citizens Advice Sutton.

The forms our volunteers support the residents to complete includes:

  • PIP Forms
  • PIP Review
  • Disability Living Allowance for Children
  • Capability for Work Forms (UC50 & ESA50)
  • Attendance Allowance Forms
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Reduction

Tasks for each session include:

  • Talking to the client to understand their situation.
  • Helping by writing either on paper or online to complete forms.
  • Photocopying the form, if the client needs a copy of it.
  • Photocopying clients' evidence such as medical records and prescriptions to include with the form if required.

What's in it for you?

  • The satisfaction of knowing that by supporting a client, you have directly made an impact on their lives, by increasing their chances of receiving the financial help they’re entitled to.
  • Helping to bring more money into Sutton - all our clients are Sutton residents and to date this project has generated over £650K worth of financial support.
  • Expert training from Citizens Advice Sutton and ideal for someone looking for a career in Advice and Information.

"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." Benefits Form Filling client

What skills will you need?

  • A commitment to providing a free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental service to the public.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Basic IT skills to be able to navigate online forms.
  • Strong people skills including being able to put people at ease, and the ability to draw out information needed by asking the right questions to the clients.
  • Be willing and able to join the WhatsApp group for our volunteers as this is how we organise the shifts.
  • As well as full training from Citizens Advice Sutton on forms, you will also receive full training from Volunteer Centre Sutton on all aspects of safeguarding and confidentiality.

What's the time commitment and where?

Time Commitment: 

Each session usually lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours. Our sessions are either morning (10.30am - 1pm) or afternoon (1pm - 4pm) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We would ideally like you to volunteer for 4-6 sessions per month and you will able to pick and choose your sessions for the month ahead, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Role Address:

Our sessions take place in 2 locations:

Volunteer Centre Sutton, Market House, 216-220 High Street, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1NU

Sutton Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

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