A staggering 91% of Brits have reported an increase in their living costs compared to a year ago, with 73% saying that costs have become more expensive in the last month alone – but benefits expert Paul Brennan explains that support is out there, if you know how to access it.
“If you find that figuring out which benefits you’re entitled to is difficult, it’s because they’ve been deliberately designed to be confusing. The government don’t want to give away money, so the onus is always on the claimant to know what they’re entitled to – and sometimes it’s much more than you think. We’ve seen a case where a pensioner couple had been underpaid £200 per week for years. Eventually they were back-paid a lump sum of £15,000”.
Which benefits am I entitled to?
There are actually more than 15 types of benefits that can be claimed in the UK, but some of the most common ones are:
The UK government announced that a £650 cost of living payment will be issued to households on means-tested benefits, including those receiving universal credit, income-based jobseekers allowance,income-related employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credit, child tax credit, and pension credit.
How to claim – if you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits – usually in two lump sums of £326 and £324. If you believe you’re eligible and haven’t received a payment, contact the DWP.
For people between 16 and the State Retirement Age with additional care needs. Your income is not considered when claiming for this benefit. You don’t need a serious physical disability to claim PIP – if any ailment means you need help with preparing food, bathing, using the toilet, dressing, moving, or planning a journey – you should consider applying for PIP. Even if you’re in employment, you could be entitled to payouts of up to £156 per week to help with your costs.
How to claim – before contacting the DWP, make sure you have: your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank or building society account number and sort code, your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number, and dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital. The DWP will send you a form focusing on how your condition affects you – make sure you’re putting in as much detail as you can so that they have a crystal clear picture of your physical or mental health needs.
For people who have reached State Pension age and are either physically or mentally disabled to the point where they require assistance or supervision with personal care needs or support to ensure they are safe. This benefit is available to people who live on their own or with others, and is not dependent on whether the assistance required is being given.
How to claim – ask a doctor or medical professional for form DS1500 – they’ll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can also do this on behalf of someone else without their permission.
For parents or guardians of children who have additional care or mobility needs due to an illness or disability. To be eligible for this benefit, the child would need to be under the age of 16 and there are other age rules for the mobility aspect of this benefit. DLA does not take any capital or income into account.
How to claim – print off and fill in the DLA claim form.
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