How We Can Help You
We provide FREE, CONFIDENTIAL,
IMPARTIAL AND INDEPENDENT advice and assistance on an extremely broad
range of subjects including:
These issues form a major part of
the work of the bureau. You will normally see a general adviser initially
and will be referred to a specialist money adviser if necessary.
If we are to provide as much help as
possible, it is vital that we have all relevant information. Before
coming to see us please complete the
budget sheet and/or
benefits questionnaire
(Click on the words). Please also look at the
checklist and bring all relevant
papers with you on your visit.
It is
important for you to know that your affairs will be treated in total
confidence and that no-one will be contacted, or any information be given
about you without first getting your permission.
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| These enquiries also form a large part of
our work.
Advisers sort out difficulties with claim benefits, help
to fill in forms and ensure that people receive their full entitlement.
They will advise on benefits which can be claimed whilst working , which
can help people back into the employment market.
We can also assist with overpayment problems and
appeals. |
| Employment problems often reflect
deteriorating terms and conditions in the workplace.
We can advise on contracts and statutory rights for
employers and employees and may suggest courses of action where redundancy
or dismissal is threatened or has happened. |
| Sevenoaks CAB advise on all aspects of
housing including tenancy agreements , repairs and cases of harassment.
We can negotiate for clients in mortgage or rent arrears
and homelessness can often be prevented. |
| Clients in an abusive relationship face
many problems: fear of leaving. What will happen if they do, and how
to protect themselves and their children.
Initially, the booklet 'Domestic
Abuse - an information handbook' may provide general advice before
you make contact with the appropriate agency. A 'pdf' version of the
booklet may be accessed here. |
| The bureau can advise on problems with
goods and services and problems with credit. |
| The bureau can give general advice on
immigration matters including: - problems
about coming to the UK
- problems about remaining in the UK
- immigration status having implications for other
issues e.g. claiming benefits
- someone wanting to be a British Citizen. |
By talking to clients, Citizens Advice Bureaux find out where improvements could
be made to national and local social policy and services.
The CAB Service lobbies MPs for better legislation, whichever political party is
in power. It has achieved change:
helping to make basic services like water and the telephone more affordable for
people on low incomes, and getting unemployed people treated more fairly by the
benefits system when they lose a job. The Service also secured a change in
employment law to protect people who exercise a statutory right , like
requesting a pay slip, from losing their jobs.
Locally, bureaux encourage councils to improve
the standard letters they use, for instance on council tax and housing benefit:
by providing the clearest possible information to the public, a lot of problems
can be avoided. Through their national network, bureaux share examples of best
practice.
If we see that services or policies are failing,
we take them up at local level or work with other CAB to effect change at
national level.
Click here for more details.
There are also many other sites that may provide you with information and help:
Click here for our links pages and for some of the
leaflets issued by us.
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