Get your benefit claim processed in 7 working days – go online
31 January 2012
Rochdale Borough Council has introduced a new benefit electronic
claim form (BECS) for housing benefit and council tax that will
significantly speed up the processing time for new claims.
Residents can also get a benefit estimate before a claim is
submitted to find out if they will qualify for any assistance.
The new online system has many benefits as people can:
- Make a claim anytime 24/7.
- Know a claim has been made and received by the council as it
sends out an automated email receipt. · Find out how much their
entitlement is.
- Use the calculator to find out how much they may get if their
circumstances were to change.
- Find out immediately what evidence is needed to complete their
claim.
- Have their claim processed within days of providing the
evidence requested.
Customers of all ages are already benefiting from new system. A
75 year old gentleman from Littleborough used BECS online at
Littleborough Library and said:
“Once you’re on the system it’s really easy to follow and I
liked the fact that I could save the form part way through and go
back to it later. I dropped my evidence off last week and was told
my I’d hear about my claim within 7 working days which is really
good.”
Councillor Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council,
added:
“The new system will significantly reduce the amount of time it
takes us to process benefit claims so that people get the financial
help they’re entitled to much quicker. Anyone who hasn’t got access
to a computer can use one for free at any of our libraries.”
“Given the benefits of the new system, we’ve also given
Registered Social Landlords access to this system so that they can
help to complete claims, and in some cases verify evidence for
their tenants, which speeds the process up even further.”
Visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/benefits
to make a claim or use the online calculator.