Celebrating the achievements of our Benefits Caseworker

As Honey moves on to her new role, we want to take a moment to congratulate her on everything she accomplished during her time with us. She made a real difference to our team and results - here is a snapshot of what she achieved:

During Honey's 13 years working with Citizens Advice Eastbourne as a Benefits Caseworker, she helped hundreds of clients access £3.5 million of additional benefits through appeals against PIP and ESA decisions, amongst other complex benefit matters.

In her first year alone (2013-2014), she advised around 400 clients of their eligibility for benefits and their rights and responsibilities around the different rules. During this period, she helped clients make claims that amounted to an estimate of £467,000.

On 13 August 2026, we gathered at The Rainbow pub in Old Town, Eastbourne, to toast her extraordinary contributions to our local community. 

The afternoon was filled with laughter, vibrant conversation and shared memories.

She will be greatly missed by all the team and our clients. We have no doubt she will bring the same excellence and success to her new position as she did with us.

Honey was working on the Welfare Reform Project funded by East Sussex County Council, advising clients across East Sussex from Crowborough to Peacehaven.

The main issues that affected clients in her early role included the assessment for ESA and being found fit for work by the DWP, when a client’s doctor agreed they were not well enough.

She advised up to generalist level and referred the more complex cases and appeals to benefit specialists.

Part of the welfare reform included a change from DLA to PIP for disabled adults. At the time, the assessment for PIP was clearer than it had been for DLA, but the process for new claims often involved a wait time of 9 months or more.