Get What You Are Entitled To
Saturday 24 January 2009
As people still struggle to make ends meet, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re claiming every grant and benefit you’re entitled to. The Consumer Council asked benefits expert, Eileen Evason to help explain what help is out there to make sure that you claim every penny with your name on it:
Single working men or women with no disability - check your entitlement to Working Tax Credit if you are aged 25 or over and work at least 30 hours a week. You can also check if you qualify for Housing Benefit for help with rent or rates.
Couples of pension age -check if you’re entitled to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for help with rent or rates. If you’re under 65 and need care or have mobility problems, look into Disability Living Allowance (DLA). If you’re 65 or over check out Attendance Allowance (AA). Unlike other benefits listed in this article, AA and DLA entitlement are not affected by income or savings.
Single female pensionerswith small state pensions - check your entitlement to Pension Credit and AA/DLA. It is particularly important that you check if you’re entitled to help with rates because of the changes made to the rating system. If you are a pensioner aged 70 or over, and you live alone, you are entitled to a discount of 20 per cent on your rates.
Families - check if you qualify for Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit for help with rent or rates.
People with a disability and in employment - If you work at least 16 hours a week, check if you’re entitled to Working Tax Credit and also Disability Living Allowance. If you have a disability and are working, you are not automatically disqualified from DLA - the intention of this benefit is to enable those with disability to stay in work.
Single parents not in employment (ie not working 16 hours a week or more) check your entitlement to Income Support, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.
Organisations that can help you:
- Social Security Agency: www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/ssa.htmor phone 0800 220 674
- Citizens Advice: 028 9023 1120
- Advice NI: 0800 027 4990
For more information contact the Consumer Council on 028 9067 2488 or www.consumercouncil.org.uk
