Benefits
Are you missing out?
Millions of pounds in Social Security Benefits are unclaimed each year by the very people these benefits are designed to help. There are a wide range of benefits available for people disadvantaged by circumstances and you may be able take advantage of these dependent on your circumstances.
Council Tax Benefits helps with the payment of Council Tax for those on low income and with limited savings.
Housing Benefits is available to help with the cost of rent for those on low income and with limited savings.
Pension Credit Helps to increase the income of people aged 60 or over who have limited income and savings. It can also help those aged 65 and over who have some savings.
Attendance Allowance helps to meet extra costs for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care or supervision. Up to 50% of the people who could be entitled do not claim this benefit.
Disability Living Allowance gives extra help to people under 65 who need help with personal care or who have mobility problems.
Tax Credits are an allowance for people who work.
Income Support tops up the income of people who have limited income and savings. The Government is particularly keen that pensioners claim this benefit and for people aged 60 or over the benefit is called the Minimum Income Guarantee.
Social Fund provides grants and loans to help people on Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance who need to buy essential items or services.
The following example highlights some of the advantages of claiming additional benefits. The amounts quoted are applicable from April 2006. Although this case is about an older person, remember that benefits can be under-claimed by people of all ages.
| Gladys is 82 and lives on her own in a rented flat. She has less than £6,000 savings and an income from her state pension of £84.25 per week. Following a benefit check she successfully claimed Attendance Allowance of £41.65 per week. She then claimed Pension Credit and was awarded £76.55 per week, a special rate because she receives Attendance Allowance. Her weekly income has now more than doubled from £84.25 to £202.45. Because she now gets Pension Credit, Gladys receives help with her rent and council tax and other automatic entitlements such as help with NHS charges. |
If you think you might be entitled to these or other benefits – you can get advice or additional information by contacting Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau on 01621 841195 or Maldon District Council on 01621 854477
There is a downloadable version (Word Document) of an application form for a benefit check available by clicking on the following link:-
Application Form for a Benefit Check