1. Housing Benefit is administrated by your local council and a low income is the deciding qualifying factor, not just whether you have paid work or not. Speak to the Housing Benefit Team at your local council to find out more.
2. For those who have lost certain other benefits because their household income has increased because of employment, ask about Mortgage Interest Run On (MIRO) at the Job Centre or Extended Payment of Housing Benefit at the local council.
3. Anyone who is worried about future Housing Benefit changes can get advice from housing charity Shelter’s helpline (0808 800 4444).
4. Household income levels also dictate eligibility for Council Tax Benefit. Speak to Jobcentre Plus (0800 055 6688/ Welsh language 0800 012 1888/ textphone 0800 023 4888).
5. Are you working 16 hours or under but struggle to manage debts? Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) may help, and there are circumstances in which you can claim it when looking for work. If you’re dealing with debt on a low income, also investigate Income Support. Speak to Jobcentre Plus (0800 055 6688/ Welsh language 0800 012 1888/ textphone 0800 023 4888).
6. Child Tax Credits are for families with one or more children at home. Working Tax Credit is for people with a low income, working 30 hours weekly, or who work 16 hrs or more and have a disability, or a child at home. . Both are really important for those managing debts. Speak to the Tax Credit Helpline (0845 300 3900/ Textphone 0845 300 3909).
7. Child Benefit applies for under 16’s or the under 20’s in certain cases; speak to the Child Benefit Helpline (08453 021 444). Receiving the full amount is vital for parents dealing with debt.
8. People who have an illness or are disabled should find out about Incapacity Benefit and the related newer benefit, the Employment Support and Allowance (call 0800 055 6688/ Textphone 0800 023 4888). You may be able to get help under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme if you attend certain NHS appointments (call 0800 055 6688/ textphone 0800 023 4888). For a disability or illness which began before 1st October 1990, enquire about the Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA); you can get a form from the Job Centre. Disabled adults or those caring for disabled children should enquire about Disability Living Allowance; speak to the Benefits Enquiry Line (0800 882200/ textphone 0800 24 33 55).
9. For those caring for someone disabled, enquire about Carer’s Allowance (call 0845 6084321/ textphone 0845 6045312).
10. Older people with debts should of course find out all about any State Pension due, plus whether the State Second Pension applies. Another form of help could be the Pension Credit, sometimes paid out before the qualifying age for the State Pension. Speak to the National Pension Service Helpline (08456 060 265).
Debt Options offer a wealth of experience in supporting people who are dealing with debt. You’ll also find their website has useful information on many UK government benefits.
