Help applying for benefits

Our Financial Welfare Team provides help and advice to improve your financial health.

We can help in any of the following ways:

• Benefit health checks: ensure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. With a review of your current benefits and support to identify any additional ones you may qualify for. 
• Council tax arrears assistance: help to organise a manageable payment plan.
• Council tax support: help with applying for council tax support which may reduce your council tax bill.
• Housing benefit applications: guidance through the application process.
• Free school meals: help applying for free school meals for your children.
• Blue badge application process.
• Discretionary housing payment to cover shortfalls in paying your rent.

We encourage you to take up all welfare benefits to maximise income and reduce unnecessary stress. We provide advice and signpost you to other organisations, if necessary, for other Department for Work and Pensions benefit entitlements.

The take-up of benefits helps to improve the local economy and eases the pressure on services dealing with long term poverty. We aim to provide specific focus and expertise for residents who need that support.

Support surgeries  

Our team are available in person to provide targeted support via surgeries and events in local venues where Council Tax debt is high and benefit take-up is low.

There is no need to book an appointment, just come come along to any of the events.

Contact the Financial Welfare Team

Fill in a request form for them to contact you.

Please do not complete this form to request assistance with food and utility costs through the Household Support Fund. To be eligible, you must be referred by a trusted professional you are currently working with. Further information can be found at Household Support Fund. 

or email: fwteam@cheshireeast.gov.uk