Sound advice on welfare

We talk to Maria Zealey, Chief Officer of Surrey Welfare Rights Unit (SWRU) about the vital service her charity provides to local residents.   

She also sends a message to residents who will be affected by changes to the tax credit system. This is: take action before it's too late.  

About the charity  

Working with local support services, SWRU provides specialist advice. They help residents navigate the often-confusing world of benefits.  

Maria is proud of the long service provided by the charity: "We use information and advice to empower. We might help a resident to claim benefits which they are entitled to, or overturn an overpayment where it's not their fault."   

"We want to change the lives of Surrey residents, one benefit claimant at a time." She explains.  

The history of SWRU  

"We've given specialist support to local organisations for over 30 years. The organisation started in 1990 as a collaboration between Surrey County Council and Citizens Advice. And, we've not looked back since." She explains.  

"We specialise in social security and community care law. When generalist advisory services don't have an answer to an enquiry, or need extra clarification or support, they contact us.   

"This means that we're not a public-facing service" she says. "But, we work with lots of services that residents might be familiar with. For example, local hospices, disability groups, local Citizens Advice and housing associations."  

"We also provide specialist training and resources" she continues. "For example, we were very involved when Universal Credit was first introduced. We worked with councils across Surrey to check that officers had all the information they needed to help residents."  

"What motivates us is knowing that our advice and advocacy has a positive impact." Maria enthuses.  

Managed Migration might affect you  

This leads Maria to discuss what she is most concerned about for claimants at the moment. This is, Managed Migration onto Universal Credit.  

"These changes will affect hundreds of people in Guildford. We want to make sure that everyone hears the message."  

"This year Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that anyone currently in receipt of Child or Working Tax Credits could be affected.  At some point this year they will be contacted by the DWP and asked to claim Universal Credit instead."   

"But" she stresses, "the move will not be automatic. Claimants affected must take action. They must follow the instructions on the letter they receive. If they don't, their benefit payments will stop.  

"I urge anyone who is likely to be affected to take action now. If you have any doubts at all, seek advice. We're training your local Citizens Advice to have the answers to your questions."   

Visit Citizens Advice South West Surrey (opens new window) for advice about Managed Migration or any other benefits advice. Or, find out more about benefits online at find out more about benefits online at Citizens Advice. (opens new window).