Royal British Legion - Citizen’s Advice Bureau

A report commissioned by the Royal British Legion indicated that the biggest concern for its members related to financial worries. These included everything from managing their outgoings on low incomes, debt problems, and benefit entitlements.

As the result of the report, the Royal British Legion in conjunction with Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, have engaged the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to provide a pilot scheme for Ex Service personnel, which offers a free Benefits and Money Advice Service.

There are currently three offices in Northern Ireland offering this facility and each one has a dedicated Citizens’ Advice Benefits Officer. It was appreciated that Ex Service personnel in Northern Ireland have special security concerns, and as a result, all client information will be retained on a separate secure data base with access limited to the Benefits Officer and their Administrator, and with all access of confidential client information being tracked.

The three dedicated offices are located in Belfast, Craigavon and Enniskillen, and although Ex Service personnel can contact them directly; it may be more prudent to make contact via their local Royal British Legion Branch, Combat Stress, Soldiers Sailors and Airmen Families Association (SSAFA), or if a former member of the UDR/ Royal Irish Regiment; The UDR & Royal Irish Aftercare Service.

This new initiative is a totally free service, and it is something that all Ex Service personnel should give serious consideration to using; especially if they are on a low income, have any money concerns, or they are retired and need a financial health check.

The amount of entitlements that go unclaimed each year, because people are unaware of what is available; or how to claim is quite considerable.

Further links on the web :   RBL Web Site Information   CAB Web Site Information

Current Offices in Northern Ireland are: