Citizens Advice Bedford (CAB) is an independent charity that helps people resolve their problems by providing information and advice.
Re-negotiated / managed debt worth
Generated
Saved clients’
All forms are different and some may be complex, with a range of options and even different ways to complete the forms. Our Advisers are trained to understand the forms, to offer advice on which form is appropriate and to assist with obtaining and then completing the form, as well as offering comprehensive advice on benefits and the applications process. To book an appointment, please click here.
Generalist advice sessions provide advice on issues including welfare benefits, Universal Credit, debt, housing, consumer, employment, immigration (basic issues only) and many other areas. If we can’t assist we will provide a comprehensive signposting or referral service. comprehensive advice on benefits and the applications process. To book an appointment, please click here.
Our Help to Claim service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment.
Help to Claim is a dedicated service from Citizens Advice. It’s free, independent and confidential. Our trained advisers can help with things like how to gather evidence for your application or how to prepare for your work coach appointment.
Our Advisers will start with a comprehensive review of your current benefits and income, and will complete a thorough Better off calculation and Benefits Review, which will include national benefits, means-tested benefits, locally delivered benefits, as well as assisting with grant applications where appropriate.
Provided to residents of Bedford Borough and Central, our debt and money advice services can help with issues such as Council Tax debt, bailiffs, rent and mortgage arrears, housing benefit overpayments, credit and consumer debt and utilities debt.
As well as the services listed separately we have Energy and Homelessness Prevention Specialists who will provide ongoing casework support for those in need. To book appointments please click here.
We know that a lot of people find it hard to get into the centre of Bedford. As well as our online and telephone services, we also partner with a number of organisations locally to meet people where they are to make sure that we are able to offer support on the ground, and to offer more services to more people.
Currently we are at the Trussell Trust Foodbanks everyday
Surgery coffee morning monthly
Ethnic Foodbank
Here at Citizens Advice Bedford, we are in a unique position to gather and analyse a huge amount of insight and data about the problems facing our clients in Bedford Borough. This means that we can really see what issues are faced by our community, as individuals and as a whole.
We use this insight and data to do several things:
We offer an advice service accredited by several organizations to ensure that our advice is of the highest standard, offering clients the best possible service.
We hold the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) which is awarded to organizations that give advice to members of the public on legal issues. Organizations are audited every two years and must demonstrate that they are accessible, effectively managed, and employ staff with the skills and knowledge to meet their clients’ needs.
We are also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority who regulate providers of financial services, which includes our advice services.
Citizens Advice Bedford is an independent, local charity reliant on raising our funds to carry out our work to improve the lives of residents in Bedford. By supporting us, you will be helping people in your local community who are at risk of disadvantage, detriment and harm.
You can donate to us by coming into our office with either cash or a cheque.
Get in contact with us, either online or in person. We will then provide you with an application form to fill out.
To discuss becoming a Corporate sponsor, please call us: 01234 346543 or email us: admin@emilyj72.sg-host.com
We are not able to deal with advice enquiries on the above contact methods.
