This is the msg I put on Facebook any time I see a post that asks about benefit/debt or any struggling to meet their household finances
To maximise your income always check if you are entitled to
WORKING TAX CREDIT, it’s a benefit for working people on a low wage.
CHILD TAX CREDIT is for families with children
FOOD BANKS at churches and charitable organization are also a great help and they sometimes have grub clubs where they supply the food and you cook a meal to take home or eat there. If your church or social group doesn't do this consider starting a grub club group yourself.
DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENT is a payment you may receive at the discretion of your local authority which can help towards housing costs to meet the shortfall caused by the welfare reform act.
You can only get it if you are entitled to
Housing Benefit or the
Housing Costs element of Universal Credit apply to your council if:
- your Local Housing Allowance is lower than your rent in private rented property
- your Housing Benefit is reduced because of non-dependant deductions/housing costs contributions
- your Housing Benefit is reduced because you are working age and it has been decided that you have a spare bedroom in social rented property
- your Housing Benefit is reduced due to the Benefit Cap
The welfare reform has left many people in debt with rent and council tax - ask at your council benefit department for a DHP form
If your on a low waged income or benefits, you could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter under the
WARM HOME DISCOUNT SCHEME.
Contact your utility provider between October to December to claim.
If your on a low waged income or benefits and struggling to pay your water rates. Apply for theBIG DIFFERENCE SCHEME OR WATER-SURE TARIFF. Contact your water provider to claim. Reductions range from 10% – 90% off the average yearly charge.
On a low waged income or benefits and you have a WATER DEBT help may be available through a trust fund to clear the debt and start you on an affordable payment plan
On a low waged income or benefits and you have a GAS OR ELECTRICITY DEBT.Help may be available through a trust fund to clear the debt and start you on an affordable payment plan. Contact your utility provider to ask about their trust funds.
Switch gas and utility providers every year to get a cheaper deal – the ‘U Switch’ web site compares savings for your and does the switching
TURN 2 US - GRANT SEARCH
Charitable funds are run by grant-giving charities to give grants to people in financial need.
These utility and money saving tips are UK but there would probably be something equivalent in other countries
