Keep up to date and check if you qualify for any financial assistance as personal circumstances change because of the cost of living.
Qualifying for benefits can not only unlock income but could lead to additional assistance where outgoings become reduced.
Even if you think you are not entitled to any assistance or have previously applied, you should still check if you haven’t done so recently. It takes a few minutes and could have an impact on your day-to-day life.
Below are just some examples of where our Welfare Benefits Team has helped residents.
An older council resident who did not qualify for Pension Credit due to his assets, was entitled to the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance where once he had a lower amount. The rebanding of this benefit unlocked £92 a week in income, which in turn allowed him to claim Pension credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support totalling £220 a week. The entitlements also led to a free TV licence, reduced tariff utility bills, assistance with glasses, dental treatment and hospital transport. The resident also got access to technological devices in his home to notify others if he fell.
In another example, a resident with a learning disability who was assisted with a benefit check when her circumstances changed, was owed tens of thousands of pounds due to previous unanswered claims from the Department of Work and Pensions. This led to an additional £180 benefits which unlocked Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, assistance with glasses, free dental treatment and prescriptions as well as hospital transport.
The children of families with changing circumstances may be able to benefit from free school meals if they qualify for certain benefits. In addition, school holiday activities may become available and some after school activities become free. The qualifying benefits includes Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax and some Working Tax credits. Qualifying criteria here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/free-school-meals
Councillor Laura Beddow, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said: “Families circumstances are changing rapidly which may mean people who have never had to think about whether they qualify for assistance are now considering it.
“Even if they go through the process and think it isn’t worth claiming, it may unlock other assistance they may not be aware of.
“Anything can assist with everyday finances when household circumstances change. It is worth a check.”
More information about how to deal with cost of living issues here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/cost-of-living-help
Apply for government benefits: https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
How do I check if I qualify
Dear Nicola, there are links at the bottom of the article to check. Kind regards, Sarah
As just one couple of pensioners out of many within the county and who like many use an LPG provider for energy to heat their property I am confused by various articles stating financial support will be be provided via the electricity supplier. Can someone with more knowledge please elucidate how, if this is so, given that I’m sure my electrical providers does not know of the means of energy employed? I’m sure the same goes for those using oil.
Hi Dave, we are still awaiting details on how the Alternative Energy Payment will work. The latest information we have is that it will be paid via electricity bills but as soon as more is confirmed we will share details. Kind regards, James.