Now, more than ever, it's crucial to make sure you're getting all the benefits you qualify for, as they can boost your income. Many people miss out on benefits simply because they don't know they're eligible. A benefits calculator can help you find out if there are any benefits you could be claiming.
Use a benefits calculator to get an estimate, or reach out to the benefits team for more information and support.
Better Off Calculator | Policy In Practice
New Benefit claims:
Jobcentre Plus
Telephone: 0800 055 6688
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus/new-benefit-claims
Take a look at our Reduce Your Bills page for more details.
You can contact your local advice centre for support. Be sure to bring your bills and bank statements to your appointment. Use the Citizens Advice branch locator to find your nearest branch.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/
If you're over 50, you can contact Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire, Monday to Friday on 03455 564 144. You can also visit their website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lincolnsouthlincolnshire/our-services/information--support/
Look at our Advice and Support Services page for local contacts and support.
Find out about council tax discounts in Lincolnshire. For more details on discounts and exemptions, visit your local council’s website or our Council Tax Support page.
Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs.
Visit Understanding Universal Credit to help you understand what Universal Credit means for you or watch this video.
For further impartial advice, Citizens Advice maintain a national 'Help to Claim' service which is accessible via citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 444 (calls are free and lines open 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday). The Help to Claim advisers can help you with the early stages of your Universal Credit Claim.
Pension Credit is a benefit for people over State Pension age, aimed at increasing your income. It also gives access to extra benefits, like a free TV licence for those over 75 (from 2020). With recent changes to the Pension Credit rules, we understand this might be worrying for people of pension age.
Pension Credit is explained further on our Pension Credit page
If you don’t have enough money to live on while you wait for your first Universal Credit payment, you might be able to get an advance. This will be taken out of your future payments, and you will be told how much will be deducted.
Government support is available to help parents with childcare costs, whether you have toddlers or teenagers. Find out more by visiting: Check what help you could get with childcare costs - GOV.UK
Support & Benefits for Children
Support and benefits are available for school-aged children, such as free school meals, transport, and uniform allowances. For more details, visit your local council’s website.
Healthy Start
If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may qualify for help buying healthy food and milk. Eligible individuals will receive a Healthy Start card, which can be used in participating UK shops to buy items like plain cow’s milk, fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables, pulses, and infant formula. For more information and how to apply, visit: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/