Welfare Rights Service
The Welfare Rights Service offers free, confidential advice to anyone living in Angus on a number of issues, such as
- social security benefits,
- council tax,
- housing benefit,
- debt problems, and
- homelessness.
The service also provides training and informal talks to other departments, voluntary organisations and local groups and issues relating to welfare rights.
The service also administers the
- blue badge scheme,
- taxicard scheme,
- discretionary housing payment scheme, and the
- TV licence scheme.
There are Welfare Rights Officers based in Bruce House, Arbroath, and Carseview Office, Forfar - contact details:
- Bruce House
Wellgate
Arbroath DD11 3TS
Tel: ACCESSLine 08452 777 778 - Carseview Office
Carseview Road
Forfar DD8 3BT
Tel: ACCESSLine 08452 777 778
The following forms and guidelines can be downloaded:
- Taxicard application form and guidelines (36 KB PDF)
- TV Licence application form and guidelines (15 KB PDF)
If you are aged 60 or over you can check your entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit using the link below:
- Pension Credit Calculator This link will take you out of the Angus Council website to the Rights Advice Scotland website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of help can the Welfare Rights Service give me?
The Welfare Rights Service can carry out a benefit check to ensure that you are receiving your correct benefit entitlement.
They can also assist you in dealing with social security matters and can represent you at social security appeal tribunals.
The service can give you advice about your Housing Benefit claim or your council tax bill.
I would have difficulty getting into Arbroath or Forfar. How do I get help?
The Welfare Rights Service can provide a home visit, or if you prefer arrange to meet with you in one of our social work area offices. Home visits can be arranged when you are unable to travel due to your disability or where you have child care difficulties. We can also give advice over the telephone.
Why is there a Welfare Rights Service?
Many people do not realise that they have an entitlement to benefit. Millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed and it is often those most in need who miss out. A Welfare Rights Officer will make sure you know your rights and give you the correct information to allow you to make an informed decision about claiming benefit.
Can welfare rights advise on things like matrimonial problems or wills?
No. The service cannot advise on issues normally dealt with by a solicitor.
Can Welfare Rights represent me at court?
Yes, but we can only represent you in debt cases or with certain housing issues.
Who do I contact for further information?
Welfare Rights can be contacted at:
- Bruce House
Wellgate
Arbroath DD11 3TS
Tel: ACCESSLine 08452 777 778 - Carseview Office
Carseview Road
Forfar DD8 3BT
Tel: ACCESSLine 08452 777 778
Service Page: WelfareRights.htm
Service Details Last Reviewed : 1 April 2009