Money matters
Calling all residents who are 66 years old and over
Every year, thousands of people fail to claim the Pension Credit they are entitled to, meaning they are missing out on a boost to their monthly income. Now that prices are rising and we are living through a cost of living crisis, we want to help you make sure you are getting all the financial support you can.
If you are state pension age and you are:
- single and your weekly income is less than £220
- a couple (both state pension age) and your joint income is less than £320 per week
You could be eligible.
Please note:
- If you are disabled or have children that you are responsible for or receive other benefits, you may still be eligible.
- If you have savings under £10,000, this will not affect your entitlement to Pension Credit.
- If you have savings between £10,000 and £16,000, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible you can:
- Check on the government website.
- Call our welfare adviser on 07384 255 63020 or email janew@ccha.biz.
- Call the pension credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Other advantages to being on Pension Credit:
- Free TV licence for over 75s.
- Council tax reduction – this may cover all or some of your council tax bill.
- Warm home discount – automatic entitlement worth £150.
Cost of Living Payments
Last year the government supported everyone to help meet the rise in our food and energy prices. The amount of support we received depended on our age, income and health, but at the very least, most of us received £400 towards our energy bills between October 22 and March 23. If you didn’t receive the vouchers or forgot to cash them in, the deadline to redeem vouchers was 30 June 2023.
This year, from spring 2023 to March 2024, certain people will continue to get some additional support from the government.
£900
You could receive up to £900 if you are on certain means-tested benefits (including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income-related ESA/JSA and Tax Credits. These will be paid in instalments of £301 (between 25 April and 17 May 2023), £300 (during Autumn 2023) and £299 (during spring 2024).
If you think you are eligible by being on the above-mentioned benefits between 26 Jan and 25 Feb 2023 or have since been awarded Pension Credit that was backdated to those dates and haven’t received the first payment, please contact us.
£300
Pensioners will get an additional £300 on top of their usual Winter Fuel Payment in 2023/24.
£150
People on Disability Benefits (any rate) including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA), will get an additional £150 over the summer of 2023.
Council Tax
Some residents may be exempt from paying council tax for life if they meet certain criteria which may include:
- Having a condition that severely affects cognitive functions, such as profound learning difficulties or Alzheimer’s.
- Parkinson’s Disease.
- Certain mental health conditions.
If you think this applies to you or someone you know, please contact the Council Tax Department of your local council for more information.
Household Support Funds
The government has given local authorities millions of pounds to support their most vulnerable and low-income households from 1 April 2023. These schemes vary from council to council and will open and close throughout the year. They normally only provide support with energy bills and food but check your local council’s website and search for ‘Household Support Fund’ for more information.
Taking care of you
Financial struggles, coping with the stresses of day-to-day life, illness, chronic pain, childcare or relationships can all take their toll on our mental health. Talking Therapies can benefit many people, even if you don’t have a diagnosis of a mental health condition. Talking can help reduce some of the stress and they can provide you with techniques and support to help manage any symptoms you may have.
You can self-refer yourself using the links below:
If you are struggling and need to speak with someone urgently, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123. Their service is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.