Jersey's Social Security Minister is urging people to come to her department rather than asking strangers on social media for advice.

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham is concerned about the number of Facebook posts inquiring about benefit entitlement and similar issues she says would be best directed to the government's team of trained advisers . 

She told us:

"It is something that I'm very aware of and I notice on a regular basis.

"I am always keen that people understand that our department is open, it's accessible, and they shouldn't be worried or concerned about bringing questions they may have directly through to the Employment, Social Security and Housing department, where they can receive expert and helpful advice."

There are two 'Jersey Ask! Advise! Advertise!' Facebook groups that islanders use daily, with a combined membership of 57,700 people.

A quick glance shows that, yesterday alone there were seven posts relating to queries about Social Security and Housing, Health and Infrastructure.

Jersey Ask! Advise! Advertise! queries from 5-6 February 2025

Deputy Feltham says, whilst the online community groups are do provide useful advice in some circumstances, for government-related concerns it can sometimes be problematic:

"I think what's most concerning is that sometimes the answers that individuals are getting aren't the correct answers and the only way really to get a correct answer is to contact the department directly."

The Employment, Social Security and Housing 'customer hub' (formerly Customer and Local Services) is now based at the new government offices on Union Street.

It help with Income Support claim queries, assist islanders with putting in 'change of circumstances' forms and find out if people are eligible for additional financial support.

The department also has a dedicated 'Back to Work' team for those looking for a job, and a work and family hub which deals with things like parental benefits. 

Deputy Feltham said it's not just her team that is on-hand to help islanders:

"The new building is home to the whole of government so, no matter what the questions are, islanders should be able to speak to the right people when they come to Union Street."

 The new Customer Hub at the government HQ on Union Street

The minister says she wants islanders to feel comfortable popping into the new building for help:

"I know that very often people are worried about coming in and speaking with government and I want them to know that is something they shouldn't be worried about.

"It's a conversation I have with my team very often about how we can make people feel more comfortable and confident coming to speak with us here at Union Street. We've got the new building which is a lot more accessible now than La Motte Street. 

"There are private, confidential places where people can have confidential discussions. It is really important that people know they can come to government and get the help and support that they need."