East Lothian Council's Welfare Rights team exists to ensure that Benefits claimants get their dues.The Team has helped a large number of claimants to get benefits for the first time or to have their benefits reinstated. For example, advice was given to 1320 people in 2000/01, bringing £1.167 million in benefit gains during the year. In the same period the team was asked to represent at 146 tribunals, of which over half were successful. The help is free and confidential and covers:

* Helping claimants to get what they are entitled to
* Explaining official letters
* Help with filling in claim forms
* Advice on reviews and appeals
* Representation at Social Security Appeals tribunals.

The team is based at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh, tel; 0131 653 5230. It holds surgeries on a 'first come, first served' basis at:

Musselburgh:  Brunton Hall, Wednesdays, 10-12noon
Prestonpans:  Aldhammer House, 1st & 3rd Thursday/month 10-12noon
Tranent:  8, Civic Square, 2nd & 4th Thursday/month 10-12noon
Haddington: 6-8 Lodge street, Thursdays 2pm-4pm
Dunbar: Hallhill Healthy Living Centre, 2nd/4th Wednesdays of month, between 2pm and 4pm
North Berwick: The Marriage Room, 2, Quality Street, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month between 2pm and 4pm