How to Get Help from Citizens Advice

Understand What Citizens Advice Can Help With

Citizens Advice provides support on a wide range of issues. Here are some common areas where they can help:

• Benefits and Tax Credits:

  • Help with understanding what benefits you're eligible for (Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, etc.).

  • Assistance with benefit claims, challenges, or appeals.

• Debt and Money Issues:

  • Advice on managing debt and setting up payment plans.

  • Support with understanding your rights with creditors and handling bills.

• Housing:

  • Help with renting, eviction issues, and homelessness.

  • Assistance with understanding your rights as a tenant or homeowner.

• Employment Rights:

  • Guidance on employment rights, discrimination, and contracts.

  • Help if you’re facing issues at work, such as unfair treatment or dismissal.

• Legal Issues:

  • Assistance with issues like consumer rights, family law, or personal injury.

  • Guidance on how to handle legal problems or disputes.

• Health and Disability:

  • Support with navigating disability benefits and services.

  • Help with understanding your rights around health and disability issues.

Find Your Nearest Citizens Advice

To get help from Citizens Advice, you need to contact your local office. There are a few ways to find your nearest location:

• Online:

  • Visit the Citizens Advice website at www.Citizensadvice.org.uk.

  • Use their "Find your local Citizens Advice" tool by entering your postcode.

  • You can also check for advice on the website itself if you prefer to get information online.

• By Phone:

  • Call their free helpline at 0800 024 1222. This line is available for advice on a wide range of issues.

  • If phone calls make you anxious, you can also contact them by textphone: 18001 0800 024 1222.

• By Email or Webchat:

  • If talking on the phone feels overwhelming, Citizens Advice also offers webchat and email options.

  • You can use the "Get Advice" section on their website to chat with an advisor online or find the email contact for your local office.

Contact Citizens Advice

Once you know how you want to contact them, reach out to explain your situation. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• When calling:

  • You may experience long waiting times, so if you’re feeling anxious, make sure you’re in a comfortable space. You can also ask if they can call you back at a later time.

• When using webchat or email:

  • Be clear and concise about what support you need. You can take your time to write down your thoughts or ask someone you trust to help you with the message.

• If you prefer face-to-face help:

  • Some local Citizens Advice offices allow face-to-face appointments, although they may require booking in advance. It’s important to check ahead of time, as some offices may have limited in-person appointments.

Provide the Necessary Information

When you contact Citizens Advice, be ready to share some key details about your situation so they can help you more effectively:

• Your full name and contact information: They’ll need this to identify you and get back in touch.

• Details about the issue you're seeking help with:

  • Be as specific as possible (e.g., if you need help with benefits, describe what benefits you're seeking).

  • If you're dealing with something complex, it might help to write down your issue beforehand.

• Any relevant documents:

  • If you have any paperwork (e.g., letters from the government, bills, or legal documents), have them ready to share. This can help Citizens Advice understand your situation more clearly.

  • If you're not sure which documents to provide, ask Citizens Advice what would be helpful.

Receive Advice and Support

Once you’ve provided all the necessary information, Citizens Advice will offer advice tailored to your situation. Depending on your issue, they may provide:

• Information and advice: They’ll explain your options and what you can do next. This may include explaining your legal rights, benefits, or debt solutions.

• Practical help: They can help you fill out forms, write letters, or make phone calls to third parties on your behalf.

• Referrals: If your issue requires further help, they may refer you to other services, like legal aid, housing assistance, or mental health support.

Follow Up on Advice

If you’re given advice on how to proceed, make sure to follow the steps carefully:

• Ask for clarification: If you don't understand something, feel free to ask them to explain it in simpler terms. Citizens Advice is there to help you feel confident and informed.

• Set reminders: If you need to take action within a certain timeframe (e.g., submitting a form or contacting an organisation), set reminders in your phone or write it down in a calendar.

• Keep track of communications: Keep copies of any emails or letters sent, as well as notes from phone calls or face-to-face meetings. This will help you stay organised and avoid missing any deadlines.

Request Ongoing Support (If Needed)

If your issue is ongoing and requires follow-up, you can contact Citizens Advice again for additional support:

• Regular check-ins: If your issue involves complex or long-term processes (such as applying for benefits or resolving a housing issue), it’s important to follow up regularly with Citizens Advice.

• Use their resources: Citizens Advice offers a wealth of online resources, including information on topics like budgeting, housing, and legal rights, which you can use as a reference.

Use Extra Support Services (If Needed)

If you require extra support and reasonable adjustments, Citizens Advice can accommodate them:

• Extra time or adjustments: If you need extra time or specific accommodations during your communication with them, be sure to ask. They can offer help such as email support or the use of simple language.

• Trusted support person: You can ask someone you trust to be involved in the process if you feel more comfortable with a helper, whether it's a friend, family member, or carer.

Final Thoughts

Citizens Advice can offer valuable support on a range of issues that affect your everyday life. By following these steps, you can access the help you need to manage benefits, legal issues, housing, and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for clarification or extra support if you need it—Citizens Advice is there to assist you every step of the way.