Residents encouraged to check they’re receiving all the financial support they are entitled to

Residents across Cheshire West and Chester are being encouraged to check they are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to, with Cheshire West and Chester Council continuing to help people maximise their income through its dedicated Welfare Team.

During 2025/26, the Council’s two Welfare Officers helped 129 residents successfully claim an additional £546,563 in benefits they were entitled to but were not receiving. This financial year, they have already helped residents secure a further £172,958, with the total continuing to rise.

The team provides free, confidential support to help residents identify unclaimed benefits, understand their entitlement, and complete benefit applications.

During 2025/26, they helped residents claim:

• £222,925 in Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
• £122,979 in Housing Benefit
• £113,228 in Pension Credit
• £80,177 in Council Tax Reduction
• £2,922 in Universal Credit
• £4,272 through other benefits

Alongside one-to-one support, the Council has been running a targeted Pension Credit take-up campaign over the past 12 months. Using Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction information, the Council has identified residents who may be eligible for Pension Credit and written to encourage them to check their entitlement.

So far 62 residents have since successfully claimed Pension Credit after receiving one of these letters, resulting in total additional benefit entitlement of just under £229,000. The latest campaign saw 337 residents contacted and offered information about Pension Credit, along with details of how to access support from the Council’s Welfare Team if they needed help making a claim.

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal, said:

“Many people don’t realise they could be entitled to additional financial support. Our Welfare Team helps residents understand what they may be entitled to and supports them through the claims process, ensuring they receive the help available to them.

“Whether you’ve received one of our Pension Credit letters or simply think your circumstances may have changed, I’d encourage you to check what support may be available. Even a small increase in income can make a real difference.”

The impact of the service can be life changing. In one case, the Welfare Team worked alongside colleagues in the Council’s Debt Advice service to help a resident who had suffered a stroke, lost their income, and faced mortgage arrears and the risk of losing their home. By securing the benefits they were entitled to and negotiating affordable repayment plans with creditors, the team helped put the resident back on a secure financial footing.

In another case, the team supported a couple over several years as their circumstances changed. Through ongoing advice and benefit checks, they helped them claim Council Tax Reduction, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Pension Credit. As a result, the couple’s Council Tax bill reduced to zero and their household income increased by around £160 per week, helping provide greater financial security.

Residents can check what financial support they may be entitled to by using the Council’s free Benefits Calculator: 

https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/5929

Further information on the range of help available is available on the Council’s Cost of Living webpages: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living

Anyone who would like help making a claim can also contact the Council’s Welfare Team for free advice and support via: 

visits@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.