A hospital stay could affect your benefits allowance. Follow these links for information and advice on how you can manage your benefits:
https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/entitlement
https://www.gov.uk/report-benefits-change-circumstances
Local benefits advice directory
There are often long waiting times to get appointments to discuss financial advice. It is important that you approach this issue early on in order for applications to be made in a timely fashion and to allow you to focus on what really matters.
Disability Solutions
This is a voluntary organisation providing information and support to anyone in North Staffordshire with a disability. They offer a free, impartial and confidential service, providing information, advice and support. Issues that they deal with include:
Disability and other welfare benefits & rights.
Discrimination, housing problems, access, transport and travel, leisure activities and holidays, education and employment, rehabilitation and training, voluntary organisations and their work, local welfare services, legislation, reports and other literature, radar toilet keys.
The service operates as a telephone helpline, and aims to ensure that people with cancer, their families and carers are aware of all the services and help that may be available to meet their needs.
Contact details: North Staffordshire Medical Institute, Harsthill Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 7NY
Telephone 01782 638300
Website www.disabilitysolutions.org.uk (Currently being updated)
Email general@disability-solutions.net
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
If you have complex issues involving debt, employment rights or housing, contact should be made with your local CAB. The CAB is an independent body and a registered charity offering free, confidential, independent and impartial advice on a wide range of issues. Advice and help is given by trained advisers on housing, welfare benefits, employment issues, debt, tax, family and personal matters, legal problems, immigration, nationality and consumer rights.
Website www.adviceguide.org.uk
Website www.stoke-cab.org.uk
Local offices
Stone Town Council Offices, 15 Station Road, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8JR. Telephone: 01785 814806. Telephone advice times 10am - 12.30pm and 1pm - 2.30pm (not Wednesdays)
Stafford Office, SDVS Centre, 131-141 North Walls, Stafford, ST16 3AD.Telephone: 01785 258673. Telephone advice times 10am - 12.30pm and 1pm - 2.30pm (not Wednesdays). Drop in sessions Monday and Friday 10.00am - 2.00 p.m.
Hanley Office, Advice House, Cheapside, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1HL. Telephone: 01782 408600 Telephone advice times Mon, Wed and Fri 10am - 3pm, Tues 10am - 2pm. Drop in sessions Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 2 p.m. Thursday by appointment only.
Bentilee Office, The Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre, Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 0EU. Telephone: 01782 408604. Drop in sessions Monday 4pm - 8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am -12.30pm
Leek Office, 20 St Edward St, Leek, ST13 5DS. Telephone: 01538 373243. Drop in 10am - Noon Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (By appointment Tuesday and Thursday)
Newcastle under Lyme and Kidsgrove Citizens Advice Bureau, 25-27 Well St, Newcastle, ST5 1BP. Telephone 0844 4994115 Information Line (24 hour recorded information). Advice line and office are open: Mon 2pm - 4pm and Friday 10am - Noon
The Department of Work and Pensions and Jobcentres Plus
The Department of Work and Pensions is linked with Jobcentres Plus. If you are on benefits at some point you may receive a standard letter from Jobcentres Plus inviting you for a "work focussed interview". The interview process is a supportive process. If you are receiving benefits but are too unwell to attend for the interview this can be deferred until you are well.
Website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Stoke-on-Trent City Council - Social Care
Stoke-on-Trent city council provides a range of services to help and support people to manage at home and also provide leaflets about additional services including:
Home care
Carer support
Help when you leave hospital
Residential or nursing home care and financial contributions involved
Telephone 01782 235985 (Adult Social Care Headquarters)
Website www.stoke.gov.uk
Staffordshire County Council Social Services Department
This department provides a range of services to help people manage at home and also provide leaflets about additional services including:
- Getting help with meals
- Leaving hospital
- Finding help if you are a carer
Choosing a residential or nursing home and financial contributions involved.
Telephone 01785 223121 (County Council central switch board)
Email welfarebenefits@staffordshire.gov.uk
Welfare Rights Service
This service has offices throughout Staffordshire. Telephone numbers for the individual offices are shown below.
Burntwood 01543 510410
Burton 01283 239888
Cannock 01543 510300
Cheadle 01538 483800
Codsall 01902 434000
Kidsgrove 01782 296705
Leek 01538 483112
Lichfield 01543 510800
Newcastle 01782 296005
Rugeley 01889 256016
Stafford 01785 276800
Uttoxeter 01889 256300
Age Concern
Age Concern North Staffordshire, 83-85 Trinity Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, ST1 5NA. Telephone 01782 286209
Email admin@acns.org.uk
North Staffs Carers Association
If you are a Carer and would like some information about the support available to you, or if you are likely to become a Carer in the near future and would like to discuss the implications and issues, contact the Carers Association at North Staffs Carers Association, Carers Centre, 1 Duke Street, Fenton, Stoke on Trent, ST4 3NR
01782 793100
Website www.carersfirst.com
Telephone 01782 834836 (answerphone out of hours)
