22 - People urged to use fast track benefits service

 

The Fast Track Promise aims to process claims or change of circumstances within two days.

 

The service can speed up claims for the 30,000 people across the borough receiving housing and council tax benefits.

 

 

“Dudley is already a top performing council for processing benefit claims and we continue to seek opportunities to improve the service provided.

 

“Anybody who has to make a claim or report a change should take advantage of our two-day promise.

 

“This will result in benefit being paid quicker which will help borough residents with their finances and prevent them falling into arrears with their rent or council tax.”

 

Staff at the benefits office, in Priory Road, Dudley, deal with more than 600 visitors every week.

 

The fast track system, which was launched in 2006, works much quicker than sending details through the post.

 

To qualify for the fast track service, applicants must have all the required paperwork with them when visiting the benefits office. The process could take longer if customers do not have the correct documents with them.

 

The benefits office is open Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 4pm.  For more information about the Fast Track Promise or to speak to a benefits advisor call 01384 818100 or go to www.dudley.gov.uk