A WELFARE team has been praised for helping tenants claim £2m in benefits and grants.

Financial advice from Derwentside Homes’ Welfare Rights Team has helped tenants access more than £2m in unclaimed benefits and grants.

Residents struggling to cope with changes to the welfare system, including the introduction of the bedroom tax, have been getting advice and support from Derwentside Homes’ Welfare Rights Team, set up in 2011.

Since it was established, the team has helped 869 tenants to claim an average of £2,314.54 in additional benefits.

Together, these previously unclaimed benefits now add up to £2,011,335.

The team provides a complete package of financial support - including helping people claim benefits they are entitled to but unaware of, applying for discretionary housing payments and appealing against benefits decisions.

Derwentside Homes’ Head of Housing Services Shelagh McGinn, said: “The Welfare Rights Team does a fantastic job helping our tenants to cope with the impact government’s changes to the benefits system which can leave many people confused and unsure of what they are entitled to claim.

“The fact we have now helped our tenants to access £2m in unclaimed benefits is a significant milestone and is testament to the hard work and commitment of the team.

“The team provides clear advice and guidance which aims to help our tenants make informed choices and claim what they are fairly entitled to.

"Our advice is targeted at tenants most at risk of falling into financial difficulty.”

Derwentside’s Welfare Rights Team can be contacted on 01207-521100, freephone 0800-783-9295 or email welfare.rights@derwentsidehomes.co.uk