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Benefits

Benefits

You may be entitled to financial support.
This page provides information and links to benefits, discounts, and other financial assistance available to help with everyday living costs. Whether you're working, unemployed, retired, living with a disability, or caring for someone, support may be available.

 

Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit is a benefit for people on a low income, unemployed, or whose health condition affects their ability to work.

A person should tell DWP if:

  • They have a mental health condition.
  • Their condition affects their ability to work.
  • Their condition is expected to last more than 28 days.

DWP may arrange a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to determine what work-related requirements apply. Fit notes from a GP or other healthcare professional may be required. [QPR - Leisure - Q1 | Meeting], [Q4 QPR Dat...- Virtual | Meeting]

Universal Credit Contact Details

Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344

Website: Universal Credit Information [QPR - Leisure - Q1 | Meeting]

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP can help with the additional costs associated with a long-term physical or mental health condition.

PIP is based on how a condition affects daily life rather than the diagnosis itself. Mental health conditions may qualify where they affect activities such as:

PIP Contact Details

New Claims Telephone: 0800 917 2222

Website: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) [QPR - Leisure | Meeting]

Pension Credit Support

If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, you may be entitled to Pension Credit. You could still qualify even if you own your home or have savings.

Pension Credit is worth an average of £3,900 a year and can unlock additional support with living costs.

Check your eligibility:

www.gov.uk/pension-credit
0800 99 1234

What could I get?

Pension Credit can top up your weekly income and may also help you access:

  • Winter Fuel Payment
  • Help with heating costs
  • Council Tax support
  • Housing costs support
  • Free TV Licence (if aged 75 or over)
  • Help with NHS costs, including dental treatment, glasses and hospital travel

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if you have reached State Pension age and:

  • Your weekly income is below £218.15 (single)
  • Your joint weekly income is below £332.95 (couple)

You may still qualify if your income is higher and you:

  • Have a disability
  • Care for someone
  • Have housing costs
  • Have modest savings

Use the online calculator to check:  www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator

How do I apply?

Apply online: www.gov.uk/pension-credit

Or call:  0800 99 1234

Before applying, have your:

  • National Insurance number
  • Income and savings details
  • Bank account details

Eligibility criteria apply.

New Council Tax Reduction Scheme - Working Age

Under the new scheme we will be looking at the household and the income of the applicant and any partner to determine the level of reduction. Some incomes are ignored such as Child Benefit, and all disability benefits. 

During 2022 a 9 week consultation took place to review the Council Tax Reduction scheme.  From 1st April 2023 key changes have been made.  The maximum award for working age people is now 100% and we no longer take the Housing Element of the Universal Credit award into account when calculating the household income.  

Key features of the new scheme

  • Those who are in receipt of a ‘passported’ benefit (Job Seekers Allowance income based, Employment and Support Allowance income based or Income Support) and those in the lowest income band will now have the maximum 100% Council Tax Reduction
  • Anyone with savings or capital over £6,000 will not qualify for Council Tax Reduction
  • There will be no deductions for any non-dependants living in the property
  • All households that have earned income will have £25 disregarded off the weekly net income
  • A £50 per week disregard will be awarded if someone in the household (claimant, partner or dependent child) gets DLA or PIP (one per household).
  • Income from Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Armed Forces Independence Payments, Child Benefit, Child Maintenance, War Disablement Benefit, War Widow/er Pension, Carers Allowance and the Support Component of Employment and Support Allowance will be disregarded in full as income
  • The four week extended payment period (EPP) will no longer exist.
  • All changes in circumstances which affect entitlement to Council Tax Reduction will take effect from the date they occur, rather than the Monday following.
  • There will be no backdating limit as long as ‘good cause’ can be shown.
  • Housing Element of Universal Credit will be disregarded

Apply here:  online application form.

Carer’s Allowance and financial help

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for anyone aged 16 or over who spends at least 35 hours each week caring for someone. Find out more from GOV.UK and apply online.

Carer’s Credit is a national insurance credit which help with gaps in a persons national insurance record and could be available to someone who is caring for someone at least 20 hours a week.

For carers of working age (up to state retirement age) support is available on benefits and income maximisation from Citizens Advice which can only be accessed via a referral by Devon Carers.

If you would like more information the following organisations also provide online guidance about Carer’s Allowance:

  • Age UK – a clear guide with general advice that is useful to all carers, not just older people
  • Carers UK – includes a comprehensive guide and video
  • Disability Rights UK – a general overview presented as a factsheet for easy printing