Northern Irelands 'Made the Call' Help Claimants Get the Benefits They Need

To make sure you're getting all the benefits, services and supports you're entitled to, make the call on freephone 0800 232 1271.

87% of people who “Made the Call” say the service has had a positive impact on their lives

87% of people surveyed who had used the Department for Communities Make the Call Wraparound Service said it has had a positive impact on their lives.

The aim of the service is to ensure that every individual and household across Northern Ireland is receiving all the social security benefits to which they and their families are entitled. This includes services, supports and other Government schemes that people may be missing out on; such as the Blue Badge scheme, help with school meals, transport or uniform grants and hospital travel costs.

The Social Return On Investment Report 2018, commissioned by the Department for Communities, has found that receipt of these additional benefits, supports and services has had a positive and significant effect.

• * 95% of people surveyed who had used the service felt under less financial strain, had more money in their weekly budget and were more able to pay bills
• * 79% of people surveyed said they suffered less stress, anxiety and social isolation
• * 40% of those surveyed said they were able to increase their home heating
• * 40% of those surveyed said they were able to make home improvements
• * 79% of those surveyed said they were able to park closer to their destination, able to go out more often and access places they couldn’t previously

Glynis Jones, Head of the Department’s ‘Make the Call’ Team said: "Through our work we know that people don’t always realise what benefits, supports and services they are entitled to and how much these additional entitlements could impact on their lives. We are actively reaching thousands of people each year and my team works collaboratively through effective partnerships with other Departments, Councils, Primary Care Providers and the voluntary and community sector to connect people with the Services and Organisations that can make a real difference."

ABC Note: More advice on checking all your potential entitlements is available by ringing the ‘Make the Call’ Advice Line number on 0800 232 1271, or online at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall

ABC Comments, have your say below: