Missing out on benefits? How to get a free check in Wales

People in Wales are being urged to check whether they could receive more help with living costs through a free, confidential benefits advice service. The Claim What’s Yours campaign directs callers to Advicelink Cymru, where an adviser can review their circumstances and help them apply.

Who can ask for a check?

The Welsh Government says people may be eligible for support whether they are working, unemployed, studying or already receiving benefits. Its campaign page lists Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and help with council tax among the support worth checking. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. The campaign is an invitation to check existing entitlements, rather than a new payment available to everyone.

The number and opening hours

Call Advicelink Cymru free on 0800 702 2020. Lines are open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Welsh-language calls are welcome. A trained adviser can explain which benefits may be available, what evidence a claim needs and how to complete the forms. The service also helps with debt and other financial difficulties.

What previous advice has achieved

The government says Advicelink Cymru and other providers funded through its Single Advice Fund helped more than 79,000 people with social welfare issues last year. Together, they secured £75.6m in additional income and helped write off £21m of debt. Those totals cover the group of funded providers. They are not amounts an individual caller can expect to receive, and a benefits check does not guarantee an award.