Nearly £1m uplift in unclaimed Benefits Claims in East Antrim.

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, urges you to see if you are entitled to any benefit or government support for you or your family.

The 2016/17 year was a record year for the benefit uptake programme in Northern Ireland, with latest figures from the Department for Communities showing that on average almost 5,000 people were better off by £85 per week. In total over £21.3 million in unclaimed benefits was claimed.

Including within the East Antrim area £922,766.42 for those who need it most in our society.

The Department for Communities Benefit Uptake Programme, administrated by the ‘Make the Call’ Service, aims to reach people in our society who are missing out on services, support or benefits that they are entitled to and should have been receiving.

Stewart Dickson MLA said: “It is encouraging to see that so many people across East Antrim and the whole of Northern Ireland are better off. However I am sure that many in our constituency are eligible for more support. I urge you to contact the ‘Make the Call’ service to see if you are eligible.”

To find out more and to see if you are eligible for support contact the ‘Make the Call’ service on 0800 232 1271. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, alternatively text “CHECK” to 66101, or Textphone: 0800 232 1715.

Further information can be gathered online from www.nidirect.gov.uk/unclaimed-benefits

ENDS

For more information please contact Noel Williams on 028 9335 0286 or at noel.williams@party.niassembly.gov.uk