DAERA announce extended opening hours for SAF Advisory Service

Date published: 26 April 2018

With less than three weeks to the closing date (midnight 15 May 2018) for Single Applications, DAERA’s SAF Advisory Service will now be available from 9am-3pm over the weekends of 5-6 May and 12-13 May to assist farmers in completing their Single Application.

If you require assistance with your Single Application please contact the SAF Advisory Service on 0300 200 7848 or via the convenient webchat facility within the online application service.

A Spokesperson for the Department said: “We are urging farmers to ensure that they complete their online application accurately and on time. The SAF Advisory Service provides access to specially trained staff who are ready to help with any queries about the Application or any of the area based schemes.

“Staff within the SAF Advisory Service have assisted more than 3,500 farmers to date during this year’s Single Application period. For those farmers who may require additional help, staff can arrange a ‘one-to-one’ appointment at their local DAERA Direct Office subject to availability. As this is one of the most important things farmers will do this year our advice is why wait, make the call now."

The spokesperson continued: “There are still some places available on the DAERA ‘How to Complete Your Single Application’ workshops at CAFRE campuses in Enniskillen, Cookstown and Antrim, where you can learn how to complete your own application, with many farmers submitting their SAF on the night. These workshops have again been very popular and you don’t need any particular IT skills to attend – our staff will be there to help you. Book a place now by contacting 028 7131 9955. This is an appointment only service, so make the call now and don’t miss out while appointments are available.”

View video and guides on how to complete your application online.

The closing date for this year’s Single Application is midnight 15 May 2018 and, as in previous years, Single Applications received by 15 May can be amended without penalty until 31 May 2018. This provision to amend an application covers changes to the use of fields already declared, increase to the area claimed by adding extra fields to an application, or subsequent changes arising from the amendments to any supporting documentation. EFA declarations are included in this provision.