Under-pressure Angus residents tapped into almost £3.5 million in benefits during the critical early stage of the covid-19 lockdown.
In a single day following the announcement of furlough changes, the Angus Council calculator was used to confirm or identify seven-figure benefits, a third more than the total for the whole of January.
One leading councillor has urged residents not to struggle alone, telling them there is “no shame” in seeking benefit support during the crisis.
A council spokesperson said the calculator helped identify and confirm £3.4m in benefits during the first week of lockdown.
A peak day was March 23 – just after the major changes and furlough announcements were made – when £1.9m of benefits were identified or confirmed, compared to £1.3m for the whole of January.
A spokesperson said the calculator continues to see heavy use, adding: “This may be people who have never had to claim benefits before but have suddenly found themselves in financial difficulties due to a reduction in their household income as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.”
The online set-up is available 24 hours a day and takes around 10 minutes for people to identify benefit entitlement.
Results are anonymous and the council doesn’t hold any personal data.
The spokesperson added: “The calculator was used over 700 times on one day alone – 23 March – just after the major changes and furlough announcements were made. On that day, over £1.9m of benefits were identified/confirmed compared to £1.3m for the whole of January.
“During that critical week, the calculator was used over 1,200 times and identified and confirmed entitlements totalling £3.4m.”
Since its introduction in May last year, the benefit calculator has allowed residents to check they are not missing out on entitlements. It can also establish if current entitlements are correct and advise on additional financial support such as the Scottish Welfare Fund.
It has been updated with emergency benefit changes introduced during the pandemic.
Children and learning vice-convener, Arbroath Independent Councillor Lois Speed said: “Many individuals and families are financially challenged right now and on their knees as a result of business uncertainty, loss of employment or income.
“These types of pressures can often suffocate and cause great fear and anxiety within households which can in turn impact on health and wellbeing.
“I would urge people not to struggle alone, these challenges could be new for you but there should to be no shame in seeking help especially when struggling to pay bills or put food on the table.
“Our welfare rights team have been working exceptionally hard to not only continue to provide a service but have managed to reach out, identify and maximise staggering amounts of income due to residents within Angus.”
