Chemists’ Community Fund partnership with Citizens Advice Manchester
In March 2018, the Chemists’ Community Fund Grants Committee agreed to pilot a partnership with Citizens Advice Manchester (CAM), who provide specialist advice on a range of issues including benefits, housing issues, employment difficulties and debt. The service, which is mainly telephone based, is available within England and Wales.
In the first year of the partnership, six cases have been completed, with another five beneficiaries currently receiving support. From the six completed cases, a total of £14,601.12 in welfare benefit gains have been achieved.
One member who was referred to the service had applied for Universal Credit but was receiving a lower than expected level of payment due to the minimum income floor. After acting on advice from CAM, the member’s claim for Universal Credit was recalculated due to a change in their circumstances. This was brought to the attention of the DWP and arrears of Universal Credit were paid with ongoing support awarded at an increased level.
A second member was referred for housing advice. The member, who was residing in a housing association property with an Assured Shortfold Tenancy, had been given notice to leave the property, which was being sold. The member was already on a housing waiting list and was advised on steps to take and rights that they would have in respect to offered accommodation. The member received a removal package from the housing association, as well as some extra time to support the move, which was proving detrimental to the member’s health conditions.
The support from Citizens Advice Manchester is one of a number of services offered by the Chemists’ Community Fund, who can also provide referrals for eligible members to legal advice, counselling, support for those affected by autism, careers support and bereavement counselling. These services are available to eligible members, their dependents, and former Royal Society of Chemistry members with ten years previous membership history.
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