Get Free Advice

We provide free advice to anyone who lives, works or studies in Richmond borough, or cares for someone who lives in the borough.

Service Status – CoronaVirus (Covid-19)

Following government advice, we are  sorry to say that as of the 18th March we have suspended all of our face to face services.
We are still here to help our community through telephone and email advice. We believe that we will be able to deal with most situations in this way.

If you need advice:

• first check the links below which may give you the information you need
• Claiming Universal Credit – if you need help to claim see below for details of our dedicated helpline number to phone
• use our online benefit calculator to see what help you might get – keep your reference handy

If you can’t find the information you need online:

• please contact us by filling out the form here – you’ll need to enter a valid Richmond borough postcode and answer some questions about your problem
• please fill in the form if you can because this helps us to prioritise more urgent queries at this very busy time

If you can’t fill in the form:

• please phone us on 0300 330 2114
• lines are open 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
• calls are charged at local rates. We are very busy helping people, so you may have to wait or leave a message before we can speak to you

All our offices are now closed for drop-in advice and appointments.

Get information online

• The Citizens Advice webpage Coronavirus – what it means for you is updated daily and provides information and links on the problems people are facing at the moment
• Citizens Advice provides online information on a wide range of issues from benefits through to managing your money
• The Richmond Council Coronavirus page has information about getting help, local services, volunteering and support available locally
• Richmond Community Hub gives helpline and email details for those who need support to access care, medical services or food
• Government guidance on Coronavirus – gives guidance on health, employment financial support, business support, travel and schooling.
• ACAS Coronavirus page gives information and guidance to employers and employees covering isolation, sick pay and layoffs. Their website also includes full employment query advice.

Check what benefits you can get

Our free online benefits calculator will tell you what welfare benefits you could get. Just answer all the questions (it should take about 10 minutes) and the calculator does the rest.

• the details you provide are anonymous and confidential
• before you start, make sure you have information about your savings, income, pensions and existing benefits (for you and your partner)
• make a note of your reference number – if you need to contact us our advisers can then access your calculation
  

Get help to claim Universal Credit

Many more people are having to claim Universal Credit. Citizens Advice operates a national programme to help you apply for this benefit – click here for details 

The service is available:

• by phone on 0800 144 8 444 – lines are open 8 am to 6 pm every week day
• by webchat – available 8 am to 6 pm Monday – Friday