At Free The Forgotten, our specialist advisers and dedicated volunteers are committed to providing extensive support to clients dealing with welfare benefits and tax credits issues, including Universal Credit. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of the benefits system for the first time or require ongoing assistance, we’re here to help with all matters related to benefits.

Comprehensive Benefits Assistance
We understand that the benefits system can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why we offer a range of services designed to ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to, including:

• Benefit Entitlement Checks: We can perform a full benefit check to assess what benefits you qualify for and the payment levels you can expect. This helps ensure that you’re not missing out on any financial support that you’re eligible for.
• Benefit Claims Assistance: Whether you’re applying for benefits for the first time or renewing an existing claim, we can help. We assist with both online and paper applications, providing guidance on how to complete forms accurately to avoid delays.
• Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeals: If your benefit claim has been refused or you’re unhappy with the decision, we can advise you on requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration. If further action is needed, our team can also help you prepare for an appeal, providing expert guidance and, in some cases, representation at tribunal.

Preparing for Your Appointment
To ensure we can assist you effectively with any benefits-related queries, please make sure to bring all the necessary paperwork and personal information to your appointment. This may include previous benefit award letters, identification documents, pay slips, and other relevant documentation. If you’re unsure what you need to bring, please contact the Free The Forgotten office before your visit, and we will advise you on the specific documents required for your case.

Online Resources for Initial Benefit Checks
If you would like to conduct an initial check of your benefit entitlements, we recommend using the following online tools:

• Turn2us: A trusted resource to check your benefits eligibility and understand what financial support is available to you.
• Entitledto: Another reliable website to assess your benefit entitlements and ensure you’re claiming everything you’re eligible for.
• Universal Credit Calculator: Use this tool to estimate your Universal Credit payments, helping you plan ahead financially.

How We Can Help
We offer a wide range of services to support you in navigating the benefits system, including:

• Understanding the Benefits System: Our advisers can help you understand how the benefits system works, explaining eligibility criteria and the application process in a clear and straightforward manner.
• Ensuring Correct Payments: We can check that you’re receiving the correct amount of benefits, helping you avoid underpayments and ensuring you’re fully supported.
• Benefit Overpayments: If you’ve been overpaid benefits, we can advise you on what steps to take next, including how to manage repayments and negotiate repayment plans.
• Tax Credits Assistance: We provide guidance on tax credits, including overpayments and renewal forms, ensuring that you’re on the right track with your tax credit claims.
• Appeals and Tribunals: If you’re facing an appeal against a benefit decision, we can support you throughout the process. From advising you on your rights to representing you at a tribunal, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.
• Benefit Claim Forms: We assist with the completion of various benefit claim forms, including Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Attendance Allowance (AA). Our goal is to ensure your forms are completed accurately and efficiently to give you the best chance of a successful claim.

At Free The Forgotten, we believe everyone deserves access to the support they need. If you’re struggling with welfare benefits, tax credits, or Universal Credit, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice and guidance. We are here to make sure you get the help you deserve.