Welfare Rights Officer

Hello, my name is Audrey Ritchie and I am a Welfare Rights Officer from the Money Smart Team within North Ayrshire Council.

I am now attached to Irvine Royal Academy and my role is to provide free, impartial and confidential benefit advice to all parents / carers.  I can offer advice, assistance and representation.  This could include advising on what benefits you may be entitled to, advice and assistance on making those claims,  checking you current benefit income is correct, advising on what happens when your circumstances change, providing assistance to challenge decisions or sanctions and representation at appeal.  The aim is to make sure everyone gets their legal entitlement to benefits. 

Financial Support for Families

Please click on the attached link if you require Money Matters Financial Help. The attachment leaflet outlines what financial help may be available from pregnancy to school age. The benefits system is extremely complex with benefits for children and their families being paid from DWP, Scottish Social Security Agency and the local authority. This leaflet provides details of what benefits are available and how Money Matters can assist you to ensure you receive your legal entitlement to benefits. 

Financial Help for Families

Scottish Child Disability Payment Briefing

Scottish Child Disability Payment Briefing Staff

Please click on the link below to access the Money Smart Referral form

Money Smart - Referral Form