There has been an increase in the number of inquiries about receiving disability benefits in Halstead.
From July to December 2014, Halstead’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau dealt with 1,009 enquiries.
Tim Clark from the Bureau said: “The most inquiries were about benefits, which was 35 per cent of the total number of calls, followed by debt which was 19 per cent.
“This is a trent nationally, not just in Halstead.”
He added that of the calls about benefits, 60 per cent had been in relation to the disability living benefit.
“People are having issues with the change from Disability Living Allowance to the Personal Independent Payment,” he added.
“We are also seeing with regards to debt that most enquiries were relating to council tax arrears and rent arrears.
“Rent arrears is an ever growing problem that people bring to us.”
He added that these figures were compared to 2013.
To contact the Halstead branch of the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, call 0844 4994719, or visit bhwcab.org.uk
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