Join our Disability Benefits Team!

Our Disability Benefits Home Visit Team needs YOU!

We are looking for volunteers to join our Disability Benefits Home Visit team. This specialised service operates across the district offering continuity of care, confidentiality and reassurance for those living with long-term conditions. Volunteers help with the often complex applications for Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independent Payment (PIP). They also provide advice on financial issues or care needs such as purchasing aids and appliances, getting a blue badge, or lowering fuel bills.

For people living with disabilities getting access to advice can be difficult and many people in Uttlesford do not claim the benefits to which they may be entitled. As a client put it, ‘I felt extremely intimidated by the DLA form, but by having my adviser to fill in the form, it allowed me to answer the very challenging and personal questions honestly and with less distress.’ A disability benefit award allows people to pay for services that aid independence and substantially improve their quality of life.

A home visit can take up to three hours; volunteers must also have access to a car. Full training is given and travel expenses are paid. One volunteer said, ‘Being a volunteer in the disability benefits team feels like a privilege. I can use many of the skills developed during my working life, and really help people to express the problems they are facing. And the positive feedback evident in the success rate of my clients is an added bonus. The role is also flexible and can be easily adapted to fit in with my life.’

If you are interested in joining the team and would like to know more, please call us on 01799 618840 or email jo.hancock@uttlesfordca.org.uk. Click here to download a role spec and application form

The team often works with clients who have been referred by health professionals or the social services, but if you, or someone you know, might benefit from this service please call 01799 618840. Our general team can cover questions on benefit-related issues but can pass you onto the Home Visit team if their help is needed.