An income maximisation service has been commissioned by Birmingham City Council to increase income for carers. The aim is to improve their well being and living conditions.
It targets individuals who find it difficult to access money advice services, and have been:
- referred by the council community care teams
- identified as under claimers by looking at the benefit service computer records
- referred by other agencies working on behalf of carers
Carers are approached with the offer of a home visit to assess their financial needs. A claim for relevant benefits is made on their behalf. Debt advice and representation to third parties is also available.
The scheme will run until April 2011. To date, 55% of cases have resulted in more money for carers. The service predicts an overall increase of up to £2 million by the time the scheme ends.
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