Who are we?

A small team of specialist advisers on issues relating to social security benefits and tax credits.

What is our remit?

To provide advice and practical assistance to enable Scottish Borders residents to maximise their income by claiming their full benefit and tax credit entitlements.

What do we provide?

• Advice and information on benefits and tax credits
• Advocacy and representationn for individuals at tribunals and to the Social Security Commissioner
• Targeted programmes to support benefits and tax credit up-take
• Training and support to Council staff and others to raise awareness
• Fact sheets and leaflets on benefits and tax credit issues

 

What benefits do we assist with?

Some of the benefits we can assist with are:

• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit and other benefits for people who are unable to work
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Disability Living Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
• Carers Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Pension Credit
• Social Fund
• Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption pay
• Maternity Allowance
• Bereavement benefits

Who uses the WBS?

The service is available to all residents of Scottish Borders

How much does it cost?

The service is free and confidential and is delivered by trained and experienced advisers

How do you access our services?

• By telephone on 01896 849802 - subject to availability of Walfare benefits Officer
• By secure email at wbs@scotborders.gsx.gov.uk
• By fax on 01896 849803
• By appointment in local Social Work office
• By home visit
• By letter
• On the internet at scotborders.gov.uk
• By contacting your local Social Work office and asking for Duty Worker

What do service users say?

'Very Professional and uses terminology you can understand.'

'Staff member is a credit to your team.'

'Your service is excellent and I really cannot express just how grateful I was for your help and advice.'

'I am very happy with the services provided.'

'All your staff are most helpful in a very demandinng enviroment.'

Frequently asked questions

• What should I do when my benefit claim has been refused?
• I have been injured at work and I wondered if there were any benefits I could claim?
• My wages have been cut due to a reduction in working hours and we are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Are we entitiled to any benefits?
• My mother is struggling to cope with her personal care needs and we wondered if she could get any help?
• My youngest child needs a lot more care and support than my other children and I want to know if there are any benefits we can claim?
• I have been made redundant and want to know what I am entitled to and how to claim.
• I have been told my benefit has been overpaid and asked to repay it - do I have to?

What are our Office Hours?

Monday          8:45am - 5:00pm

Tuesday         8:45am - 5:00pm

Wednesday    8:45am - 5:00pm

Thursday        8:45am - 5:00pm

Friday            8:45am - 3:45pm

Local Social Work offices are at the following locations...

14 Newtown Street, DUNS, TD11 3DT.
T: 01361 883050

Rose Lane, KELSO, TD5 7AP
T: 01573 223501

4 Abbotsford Road, GALASHIELS, TD1 3DS
T: 01896 755365

Chambers Institute, PEEBLES, EH45 8AF
T: 01721 722777

5-7 Lothian Street, HAWICK, TD9 9HD
T: 01450 374545

Welfare Benefits Service
East End, Earlston TD4 6HU
Tel: 01896 849802   Fax: 01896 849803
Email: wbs@scotborders.gsx.gov.uk