Welfare Benefits & Tribunal Service

Overview

City of Doncaster Council (DCD) wishes to commission a Welfare Benefits and Tribunal Service (WBATS) for the whole of the Doncaster area. The primary purpose of this Service will be to support adults with multiple and complex needs who have a disability or long term health condition and their carers with welfare benefits and tribunal representation. The aim is to ensure that these people are aware of and are able to take up their rights to welfare benefits, thereby maximising their income and improving their independence and choice. Service Aims The service is designed to: Maximise income for individuals with complex needs. Support improvements in independence, health, wellbeing, and life opportunities. Focus on people who struggle to navigate the benefits system or use digital technology to make claims. Encourage self-help and independence for those who are capable, by signposting them to digital tools or community support (e.g. libraries). Key Service Elements The service will include: Signposting: Directing capable individuals to resources for self-service. Includes digital tools, community support, and organisations in the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector. Benefit Entitlement Assessments: Calculating what benefits individuals are eligible for. Claim Form Assistance: Helping complete benefit applications. Providing follow-up casework. Complex Casework: Preparing submissions for revisions, supersessions, or appeals. Tribunal Support: Handling tribunal casework. Providing representation at tribunals.