WEST Devon Borough Council is offering a new service which will enable residents to make a benefit claim online at their own convenience.

Not only will the new benefit system be completely accessible over the internet 24 hours a day, but claimants will no longer have to send their documents in via the post or bring them physically into the council building.

Cllr Lois Samuel, West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for health and well being, said: ‘This is a fantastic service for customers, we brought this in to make the process of claiming for a benefit simpler, easier and quicker.  I know that there will be many people who will benefit from this service.  In every walk of life you can now do it on line, now we have enabled our residents to make their benefit claim online as well.’

Those people wishing to make a claim will be able to complete the whole process from a desk top computer, lap top or mobile phone.  Documents can be scanned or photographs taken and uploaded directly to their claim.

Anyone wishing to make a claim should visit the council’s website where they will find step by step instructions.  Customers wishing to have support with their claim can still visit the council offices to use their computers and receive help and support from the reception staff.