14072025 BDMA Presentation   

Who can qualify for RBL Beneficiary Support or Advice

• Currently serving and ex-service personnel who have received one day of pay.
• Spouses/Partners (including widows/widowers).
• Any person who is financially dependent on a beneficiary.
• Any person who is dependent for care from a beneficiary, or the spouse of a beneficiary. This includes adults or children.
• Any person whom a beneficiary is dependent on for care.

BDMA Criteria

• Income Maximisation - for beneficiaries in crisis with zero income and/or vulnerable beneficiaries with complex benefit overlaps which require BDMA input, for a more specialist benefit check and advice.
• Welfare Benefits - Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeal & Representation - A beneficiary must have made a claim for a benefit, received a decision they disagree with and require support to challenge the decision. We can support with providing advice on merit, gathering medical evidence, in some cases achieving outcomes without the need for tribunal attendance and preparing/representing at  tribunals.
• Debt Advice - The BDMA service supports beneficiaries with priority & non-priority debts, or non-priority debts only (in the absence of priority debt) where vulnerabilities are a barrier to accessing an external advice agency for support. The Service provides holistic, non-judgemental advice on a range of debt options including insolvency and can enter beneficiaries into Breathing Space application to protect from creditor enforcement action.

DEBT

• Priority Debts, most common:
• Rent / Mortgage Arrears;
• Council Tax – inc. Court Action and Enforcement Officers;
• Gas & Electric Arrears;
• Court Fines.
• Court Representation;
• Grant Recommendations;
• Debt Management / Solutions:
• Debt Relief Orders;
• Bankruptcy Petitions;
• Repayment plans;
• Negotiating with Creditors / Landlords / Local Authorities / DWP…..

BENEFITS

Wide range of Benefit Advice and Assistance is in scope from general advice to Appeals;

• We assist from the Mandatory Reconsideration stage
• Carry out a Face-to-Face or telephone appointment, to take instructions;
• Review the evidence bundle, request medical evidence, draft detailed submission;
• Represent beneficiary at the Tribunal – wherever that may be.

   

we can consider a range of grants to support you to achieve the changes you are trying to make, and include

• Urgent situations where you need food or clothing.

• Help with rental deposits and rent in advance.

• Essential repairs and maintenance to your home.

• Cost of living, such as with your energy costs and making your home more energy efficient.

• Essential household good and carpets.

• Supporting you to undertake activities to tackle social isolation.

• Occupational Therapy assessments and support with mobility aids like riser recliners, specialist beds or mobility scooters.

• Adaptations to your home, so that you can retain independence.

• Helping with funeral costs for a loved one and we can offer guidance on other bereavement support available.

• Support to access the digital world; providing internet access and with equipment and training to get you on-line.

• Linking you in with our employment partners to find work or change career and we can consider the cost of courses or equipment that you may need.

• Assisting with unexpected travel costs