Wigan Council helps residents secure almost £30 million in financial support

Wigan Council helps residents secure almost £30 million in financial support

Wigan Council’s Income Maximisation team has helped residents across the borough secure almost £30 million in additional financial support over the past three years, making a significant difference to thousands of households.

The team supports residents to access benefits and financial assistance they may not realise they are entitled to, helping to boost household income, ease financial pressures and improve overall wellbeing.

The Income Maximisation team plays a key role in the council’s Here For You campaign, which was launched during the cost of living crisis to provide free, confidential advice, and practical support to help residents access the assistance available to them.

Among those who have benefited from this service are Lowton residents Cynthia and Jonathan, who described the support they received as having made 'a massive difference' to their lives.

Cynthia said: “We’ve got pensions and didn’t have much savings, but we never thought that we were entitled to anything.

“We were just amazed and couldn’t believe what we were entitled to. It feels like you’ve got to tap yourself, because it’s such a weight off like you wouldn’t believe.”

Living with cancer and osteoporosis, Cynthia was unaware of the additional support that may have been available. After being referred to the Income Maximisation team, the couple discovered they were entitled to extra financial assistance they had not previously claimed.

The increase in income has helped relieve financial worries and provided greater peace of mind. It has also enabled the couple to make long-awaited improvements to their home and garden, whilst also helping to cover the cost of visiting their children and grandchildren.

Councillor Susan Gambles, portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear Cynthia and Jonathan’s story and to see the positive impact the Income Maximisation team has had on their lives.

“Like many residents, they didn’t know about the support available. Many households across the borough are continuing to face money worries, so I would encourage anyone who is concerned about their finances, or who thinks they may be missing out on support, to get in touch with the team and find out what help they could be entitled to.

“Our Income Maximisation Team are a welcoming, supportive, experienced team who have helped so many residents and collectively secure almost £30 million that’s gone directly into local people’s pockets making a significant positive difference to their lives.

“This extra financial support is helping people pay household bills, meet everyday living costs and improve their long-term financial stability.”

Residents can access support from the Income Maximisation team at Wigan and Leigh Life Centres, as well as libraries and community venues across the borough.

To find out more about the service and check what support may be available, visit help to claim.