BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com



If you need a trustee, estate executor, advocate, a document sworn or forms filed, Angus Riley’s Help Desk is for you.

This retired civil servant says he has done it all during his 29 years with the Department of Community Services and now commits his retirement to doing it all again - for free.

Riley says he went into a career in social work because he was, “always for the under-dog,� and still is.

“I know so many people who aren’t receiving the services or rights they’re entitled to,� Riley said. “My motive is to see that anyone who’s entitled to something gets it.�

Riley’s Help Desk is a non-profit business designed to assist anyone in need of practical, hands-on help with everything from applying for Employment Insurance and Canada Pension to representation at appeal hearings.

“Many people are uncomfortable applying for services. So many applications now are completed on-line and there is a level of embarrassment for anyone not computer literate. People sometimes find federal or provincial offices intimidating and are afraid to ask staff for help.�

Riley says in that case he will help the individual apply for services on-line at their home or his. He will even go with them to the appropriate office to gather information. “I have a good knowledge of Income Assistance or Employment Insurance policies and regulations. Sometimes people just need help understanding the lingo; I can put things in plain language for them.�



Moral support



Recently, he helped two seniors apply successfully for their Canada Pension. “They knew they were entitled, but didn’t know how to fill out the application forms,� he said. One of the seniors was also eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, but wasn’t aware until Riley spelled it out.

“Sometimes a person just needs some moral support,� Riley said. “I’ve accompanied many people to appeal hearings who are simply unsure of themselves or don’t understand the policies they’re appealing.�

There are situations when he has also had to tell someone it’s unlikely they would win their appeal. “If I’ve looked at all correspondence and see the co-policies were followed correctly, I can explain to the client there’s no basis for an appeal.�

And he stands firmly behind following the rules. “If people want to use the system I’m there for them. If they want to abuse the system then I can’t help.�



No legal advice



As a trustee he has handled finances for family members or individuals who have difficulty budgeting. “I don’t handle the money itself, but I help compile budgets and see the bills are paid on time. It’s a big worry on some people when a family member can no longer manage their income.�

One thing Riley’s Help Desk won’t do is give legal advice. “I tell people that I’m not a lawyer. I don’t give advice; legal or otherwise,� he said.

Often the help people need is already out there. “I can point them in the right direction, give them the correct information, show them alternatives and then they decide for themselves which route to take.�

Best of all, the service is free of charge. Riley says that although there’s no fee, people will make some small contribution to cover cost of gas or postage.

“This is set up for people on a limited income. If they want to reimburse me they can; if they can’t afford it, no problem. I won’t be sending a bill,� he said.