About Us
The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.
Vision, Purpose, Key Priorities and Values
Vision
An inclusive society where everyone is valued, financially secure and can participate equally.
Purpose
Maximise benefit entitlement by ensuring access to expert advice, improving the capability of advisers, disseminating information and influencing policy.
Key Priorities
- Authoritative and accurate benefits advice, training and publications.
- Professional, courteous, quality-assured service, meeting our partners’ needs.
- A focal point for welfare rights work and entitlement maximisation, supporting North Yorkshire and York residents.
- Influencing local and national decision-making and policy direction, promoting claimants’ rights.
Values
| Justice | Professional competence | Compassion | Integrity |
| Quality | Customer focus | Independence | Reliability |
Please see our leaflet and annual review in Downloads for further details.
“Having used the Welfare Benefits Unit for more than ten years I have had positive results each time.”
“I think this is an excellent service. Very good advice and the advisers always ring back and follow up.”
Funding
The Welfare Benefits Unit is primarily funded by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council. We also rely on sales of our Advisers Guide and training to support our services.
We receive grant funding from a number of sources. In 2021/22 this included Two Ridings Community Foundation, JRHT York Committee, Paristamen and Localgiving Magic Grants. In 2022/23 we have received funding from Arnold Clark Community Fund and Localgiving Magic Grants.
Thank you to all our supporters.
Comments or complaints
The Welfare Benefits Unit is committed to providing high quality services. We welcome your feedback in order to improve. We would like to hear from you if you have any comments about the services we provide or if you have a complaint. Please see our Comments and Complaints Policy use the contact form or contact Liz Wilson, Chief Executive.
Privacy Statement
The Welfare Benefits Unit takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to provide products or services you have requested from us. From time to time we would like to contact you with details of other events and publications we offer. We will not pass your details to anyone outside our organisation.
