A new claimants' support group has been set in Haringey. Anyone who is claiming benefits (not just the unemployed) is welcome to come along to our meetings, held on the first Thursday of the month, at Phoenix Millennium Centre, West Green Road.

Benefits are a right 

– not a privilege! 

What’s the problem?  From Housing Benefit to Disability Allowance from JSA to tax credits to child benefits. Most of us are claimants in some way and we need to defend our benefits in the same way that we need to defend all of our living conditions.

Under the guise of ‘modernisation’ and ‘fair reform’, the government is trying to pass its problems onto ordinary people. It’s tried for years to cut down on what it pays in benefits by making it harder to claim and forcing vulnerable people into work. The current situation is no different but we can fight back.

How can we fight back?   Let’s fight for Claimants’ Rights. Tens of thousands of local people are claimants. By acting together and  supporting each other we can demand everyone has access to benefits, a decent income and what they need, despite the barriers the authorities may put in front of us.

By building up awareness and solidarity we can force the system to work for us, and demand improvements. There are many tactics, campaigns and actions we can take but they’ll only work if we act collectively. Let’s say loud and clear: 

A decent income for all!

CLAIM WHAT’S YOURS – THE WORLD

Who’s involved in the Claimants Action Group?    We are local residents determined to campaign over issues affecting claimants: unwaged, single parents, pensioners, unemployed, people with disabilities, low-waged and supporters. We have been through the many hassles and harassment ourselves, and now want to support each other and fight back.

What do we do?   We want to encourage each other and all claimants to oppose hardship, discrimination, and harassment. We oppose mistreatment when claiming Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, or Housing Benefit, trouble with access to public services, and everything in between. We aim to fight for a better deal for all. We believe that through solidarity and collective action we can make material improvements to people’s situations.

We are looking to any claimants and people interested in claimant’s issues to help form, direct and establish the group. We want to publicise it widely, and distribute useful information to local claimants. The group is newly formed so we are open to all suggestions with regards to campaigns, effective tactics and particular things to focus on.

How to get involved

We hold open meetings at 7.30-9.30pm on the first Thursday of every month at the Phoenix Millennium Centre, 386 West Green Road, London, N15 3QL. Entrance on Vincent Road.

The first hour is open specifically for claimants to bring and share experiences.

Please come along 

• to discuss specific issues around access to benefits & services
• share news, views and experiences
• to support and help each other get what we’re entitled to
• to get involved in claimants’ campaigns

The CAG is supported by Haringey Solidarity Group, a group of local residents involved in campaigns against oppression and injustice across the borough. HSG believe that all the decision-making and local resources should be in the hands of those who live and work in Haringey. For more information about HSG, including material connected to CAG, please go to www.haringey.org.uk, phone 0845 233 5270 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it