Citizens Advice Central Dorset

Welcome to Citizens Advice Central Dorset. Contact details and opening times for our offices and outreaches can be found on the Dorchester, Gillingham, Sherborne and Weymouth & Portland contact pages. www.centraldorsetca.org.uk

🚘 Got a parking ticket in the post when someone else was driving your car? You might be able to appeal if you weren’t responsible for the vehicle, but it depends on the type of ticket you received. Read more about your options here ⤵️ bit.ly/3TM3gnO

There’s lots to think about when moving home. From packing, to bills… and that’s all before you’ve even thought about buying some houseplants! Check out our top tips for moving home ⤵️ bit.ly/3VYb9qT

💻 Want to adjust your hours, work from home, or change your working pattern? You may have the legal right to make a statutory flexible working request to your employer. Find out how to make a request and what your rights are ⤵️ bit.ly/4rqvUpW

Dan Norris, Head of Advice and Rights at @cpaguk.bsky.social introducing the #CPAG Welfare Rights Conference, where Liz Sayce will give the keynote speech on Carers’ Allowance. #WRConf26

Take your time to find the right trader for your home improvements to avoid scammers posing as traders taking advantage If you think something isn’t right or are feeling pressured, get help from our consumer service to stay #ScamAware ⤵️ bit.ly/4iRemBN

🐣 Expecting a baby and wondering about your rights at work? Every employee is entitled to up to a year of maternity leave, regardless of your pay, hours or how long you've worked there. Read more about your entitlements and how to take leave ⤵️ bit.ly/4xxGmOJ

Thinking about claiming compensation for a personal injury? There are strict time limits for taking legal action, so getting specialist legal advice early is essential. Check your options and how to get started ⤵️ bit.ly/4i2aHiL

Last Tuesday, our campaigns lead spoke to BBC Radio Solent about roofing scams. (at 15:14:34) #scamaware www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Here at CACD, we have written to our three local MPs, urging them to #TurnTheTide.

Scammers know how to trick people to get what they want. Being affected by a scam doesn’t just have a financial impact, it can impact you emotionally too. Reach out to talk to someone about what you’re going through and how you’re feeling ⤵️ bit.ly/4rlEuqZ #ScamAware

Are you trying to agree on child arrangements after a relationship has ended? An informal agreement usually works best, but you have options if you can’t agree or need extra support. Read more about this here ⤵️ bit.ly/4ymNQVe

Are you facing eviction from a private landlord? Your landlord must follow strict legal steps for a notice to be valid. You might also be eligible for extra financial support or emergency housing help. Find out what you can do next ⤵️ bit.ly/3LiBUB4

Got a problem after having work done to your home? 🏡 Find out what your next steps are depending on the type of problem you have ⤵️ bit.ly/4r51MRN

If an item you've bought is faulty, you may be entitled to a refund, repair or replacement, regardless of whether you bought it new or secondhand. Read more about options that may be available to you here ⤵️ bit.ly/4m9yiia

Funerals can be arranged by family members, close friends or local authorities. Support and guidance are available through funeral directors, who can help you explore various funeral options. More information on funeral arrangements ⤵️ bit.ly/4xXVpRT

Need work doing to your home but don’t know who to trust? 🤔 Scammers can pose as tradespeople, so don’t feel pressured into choosing the first person who gives you a quote. Learn how to protect yourself from rogue traders ⤵️ bit.ly/46fD0EM #ScamAware

Separating from a partner can severely impact your finances, particularly if you relied on their income. If your marriage or civil partnership ends, you can claim spousal maintenance immediately upon separation. Learn more about financial support after a separation ⤵️ bit.ly/4y6SJSe

Remote court and tribunal hearings take place over phone or by video call. You’ll need to prepare for these in advance, and approach them with the same formality and respect as an in person proceeding. Find out more about remote hearing procedures ⤵️ bit.ly/4AWfN8T

Scams can come in many forms. Over the next 2 weeks we’re sharing everything you need to know to be #ScamAware. Our advice can help you spot and avoid scams, and get the support you need if you’ve been scammed ⚠️ Look at all our advice on scams: bit.ly/4ysxivk

Do you have a health condition or disability which affects your mobility? A Blue Badge lets you park closer to where you need to be. You may get one automatically through certain benefits, or apply for a fee of up to £10. Read more about the scheme here ⤵️ bit.ly/4yDSSh6

Some NHS services are free, but you may have to pay for others. If you’re on a low income, you could get help with healthcare costs. You can also get advice on treatments from the NHS or independent support organisations. Read more about options that may be available to you here ⤵️ bit.ly/4AE3Zrs

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence or abuse, there are many organisations that can help. Find out more about what kind of support is available ⤵️ bit.ly/4z4BBgy

Food banks are community organisations that support people who are struggling to afford food. Check how to get a referral, what support is available and how to access extra cost-of-living help ⤵️ bit.ly/4dcdJxO

A budget planner helps you track your income and spending, making it easier to see where you can save. Find out how to work out your budget here ⤵️ bit.ly/45GEZmj

Did something go wrong on your holiday? You could be entitled to compensation from the company you booked with. Learn what your rights are and how to make a claim ⤵️ bit.ly/4dVe4FL

🔨 Planning on renovating your home? There are some checks you may need to complete before you start any building work. Our website lists the first 6 steps to take ⤵️ bit.ly/4v3bzbg

Do you need legal advice or support in court? You may be able to access support for free or at a reduced cost. Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/46jzgBL

🚗 If there’s something wrong with your used car, you might have a legal right to a repair, the cost of a repair or some or all of your money back. We can help you understand your consumer rights ⤵️ bit.ly/4toSYab

You can challenge your employer if they haven’t paid your wages or underpaid you. 👉 Check your payslip and talk to your employer to find out why they haven’t paid you what you expected. Find out more about what you can do ⤵️ bit.ly/45ntE9f

🪖 You could be eligible for benefits if you work in the armed forces. You might be able to claim a range of benefits and concessions if you work in the armed forces, are a veteran or their family member. bit.ly/3TfyEL2

Are you having a difficult time with the cost of living? ✅ It’s important to know what you’re entitled to - you might be able to claim or increase your current benefits. Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/4500oXE

⏰ Do you work for more than 6 hours a day? You’re entitled to an uninterrupted rest break of at least 20 minutes - for example a tea or lunch break. Check your work rights on our website ⤵️ bit.ly/41WDaza

🚨 Noticing payments you don’t recognise in your bank statement? You should contact your bank or building society straight away to prevent fraud. Find out more about banking security ⤵️ bit.ly/42MlKpS

📦 If you’ve ordered something, it’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. We’ve explained what steps you can take ⤵️ bit.ly/4lkuytX

Are you falling behind on your mortgage repayments? ‼️Don’t wait for your lender to contact you - you should talk to them as soon as possible. Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/4Ak7iUz

You have a right to take up to a year of maternity leave. ➡️ You’re only entitled if you’re an employee, but it doesn’t matter how long you’ve worked for your employer. Read our online advice ⤵️ bit.ly/4xxGmOJ

Back billing is when your energy supplier charges you for energy you’ve used in the past. ❌ Your supplier usually can’t send you a bill for energy you used more than 12 months ago. We can help if your supplier tries to overcharge you. bit.ly/46QJryE

You might be able to get extra money to help pay for essential costs like food, childcare and school costs. Make sure to check what you’re entitled to. Our online advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/4flTLlA

Have you been scammed? You might be able to get your money back if you paid by card or PayPal. 💳 Your card provider can ask the seller's bank to refund the money - this is known as the 'chargeback scheme'. Find out more about this ⤵️ bit.ly/3YVTeQ4

You might feel you're working too many hours if you're having mental or physical health problems because of overwork. ✅ Your employer can't make you work more than 48 hours a week on average. Check your work rights ⤵️ bit.ly/44Eq1LA

⚡ Your energy supplier has to let you know if they’ll increase prices. They should tell you in a reasonable amount of time before the change takes place - this is called giving you notice. Read more on our website ⤵️ bit.ly/3Yp9w3s

Did you know you could get compensation if a product damages your home? 👉 It’s a good idea to take photos of any damage caused so you can use them as evidence. We can help you understand your rights - find out more on our website. bit.ly/4t88dUK

📝 Starting university soon? If you’re going to be living in student halls, we can help you understand your housing rights and what your responsibilities are. Check our online advice ⤵️ bit.ly/4h2aCLw

Every day we see the problems people in our communities face. ✅ We understand these challenges and advocate for change. From government policies to industry practices, we campaign on the issues that affect every single one of us. #WeAreCitizensAdvice #ThePeoplesChampion

❗ If you’re on a low income you might be able to get your council tax reduced. Your local council can work out if you’re entitled to Council Tax Reduction. Here’s what you need to know ⤵️ bit.ly/4mbH3Ys

Have you bought something that doesn’t match the seller’s description? ✅ You have legal rights and might be able to get a refund, repair or replacement. We’ve explained more on our website ⤵️ bit.ly/4m9yiia

💧 Your water company must provide a constant supply of water. It’s important to know what if you’re entitled to compensation if your water supply is interrupted. Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/4gHFSPC

Are you on a low income or unemployed? ➡️ You might be able to get Universal Credit to help with living costs. Try out free online tool to see if you’re eligible ⤵️ bit.ly/4ynR9vQ

We believe no one should have to face problems and challenges in life alone. 💙 We’re here for you with free and practical advice you can really trust, when you really need it. Find out more about how we can support on our website. centraldorsetca.org.uk #WeAreCitizensAdvice

Did you know we’re an independent charity? #WeAreCitizensAdvice and we’re so proud of the difference our staff and volunteers make each day in Central Dorset. 👉 Follow us through the week to see what we’re up to!