Changes in the way certain benefits are calculated could mean extra money for many Wigan families.
From the beginning of November changes to the way Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are worked out mean that families with young children and people aged over 60 who have savings are more likely to qualify for help than ever before.
This is because Child Benefit will no longer be included as income when benefit entitlement is being calculated. And it means that people who receive Child Benefit are now more likely to get help with their rent and council tax bills.
In another move, people over 60 with savings under £10,000 are also more likely to be better off because these savings will also not be taken into account when rent and council tax benefits are being worked out.
Savings between £10,000 and £16,000 will still be taken into account but to a lesser degree. People with savings above £16,000 cannot claim unless they receive Guaranteed Pension Credit. These new rules also apply to pension credit.
Benefit experts with Wigan Council believe that more than 2,000 families in our borough could be set to gain from the changes.
Wigan Council’s cabinet champion for neighbourhoods, Cllr Kevin Anderson, said: “The important message is that if you haven’t been able to get help in the past, you may now be able to.
“The changes to Child Benefit entitlement may be particularly relevant for people who are considering making the move into paid employment but would have lost out in the past.”
Anyone interested in making a claim can contact:
The Benefits Contact Centre on 01942 828644.
Text phone (for people with hearing difficulties)
01942 828725.
E-mail: Benefits
The Contact Centre can be phoned throughout the week 8am to 6pm and between 8am and 12.30pm on Saturdays.
People already getting help with rent and council tax do not need to do anything.
More help and information is also available from:
Wigan Independent Advice Centre on 01942 324851.
Age Concern (for those aged 50 or over) on 01942 241972 for Wigan and 01942 607337 for Leigh.
Citizens’ Advice Bureau on 0844 826 9713.
Tips to stay warm this winter
IF you’re worried about paying your heating bills or need some easy to understand advice on how to save energy then the Home Heat Helpline will lend a hand. It can advise you on benefits, grants for free home insulation, reduced tariffs and any special payment options your energy supplier provides. You can call yourself or on behalf of a relative, friend or neighbour that you’re worried about. Nobody need go cold.
The Home Heat Helpline is open 9am-8pm Mon-Fri and 10am-2pm on Saturdays — and it won’t cost you penny to ring.
To chat to a specially trained advisor call FREE on 0800 33 66 99.
Or check the website at Home Heat Helpline (external link)
Sessions advise on budgeting
Timely advice on how to make your money go that bit further is now available thanks to Welcome Credit Union.
Sessions aimed at helping people brush up on their budgeting skills are taking place in libraries and other locations across the borough.
The expert advice is being delivered by Vernon Fuller from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
To book a space or find out more information contact Donna on 01942 828702 or email Welcome Credit Union
Pair of schemes turn up the heat with cash help
Two schemes can help people living in the borough keep warm this winter. If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, then Warm Front may be able to help with a grant of up to £3,500 to improve the energy efficiency of your home. For more information about Warm Front, call free on 0800 316 2817. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
Because some groups of people are more likely to have poor health or to live in cold homes, there's also a scheme called AWARM. If you have a social worker, health visitor or carer you may well be entitled to help. Ask them to contact AWARM for you.
