Talk Money Week – are you getting the benefits you’re entitled to?
It’s Talk Money Week and we’re asking… are you getting the benefits you’re entitled to? You might not realise that depending upon your circumstances, there may be welfare benefits that you may be entitled to that could help with the cost of day to day living. Whether you’re working, retired, or facing health challenges, there may be support available to you.
Here’s a rundown of some key benefits that could make a difference in managing your budget and easing financial stress.
Universal Credit
If you’re of working age and on a low income, are unemployed are sick or disabled, you may be entitled to Universal Credit. This is a means-tested benefit, meaning your eligibility depends on your income and savings. Universal Credit can also help cover rent, offering additional support for housing costs.
Pension Credit
If you’re of pension age, on a low income you may be entitled to Pension Credit. Like Universal Credit, Pension Credit is a means tested benefit and the amount you can get also depends upon what other income and savings you have. If you’re struggling to pay your rent, you may also be entitled to another means tested benefit called Housing Benefit.
Council Tax Support
If you’re finding it hard to pay your Council Tax, you may be entitled to council tax support or a council tax reduction. Each council has their own scheme for supporting residents to afford to pay their council tax. There can also be reductions and exemptions where someone in the household is disabled and the property has adaptations; where someone has a severe mental disability; or where someone is a student, for example.
Disability benefits
Finally for if you have a disability, there are a range of disability benefits depending upon your age. We can help you check which benefits apply to you.
There is more information on our website here or on the government website here – www.gov.uk/browse/benefits.
Knowing what benefits you might be entitled to, and then claiming them can be quite a daunting process so if you would like individual tailored support either speak to our Moneywise team or if you are in Temporary Accommodation, your Temporary Accommodation Officer.