This is the time of year that many people may struggle financially, with Christmas and increased fuel bills putting even more pressure on low income households.
Additional income requirements
| Type of support | Who qualifies |
|---|
|
Housing Benefit
|
Available to people on a low income who are renting their homes.
You cannot apply for Housing Benefit if you are receiving Universal Credit.
|
|
Discretionary Housing Payment
|
A Discretionary Housing Payment can give you limited short term help towards paying your rent if you are struggling. Last year we helped 3,773 customers who received an extra £685,485.
|
|
Free school meals
|
Claiming free school meals could save your household up to £418 a year per child.
|
|
Council Tax Reduction
|
To apply for Council Tax Reduction your name must be on the Council Tax bill. You may qualify if you are:
- On Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.
- On Pension Credit, Guaranteed Credit and in some cases Savings Credit.
- Working and on low pay (including people who are self-employed or on a low income).
|
|
Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
|
There are lots of different reasons you could have a discount or exemption:
- Care leavers discount
- Single person discount if you are the only adult living in the property
- Empty property discount
- People with disabilities
- Disregard because of severe mental impairment
- Carers discount
|
|
Welfare rights advice and guidance
|
- Free, confidential advice and support on a range of welfare benefits.
- Help with completing claim forms.
- Guidance and support when making appeals.
There are a number of ways you can access welfare rights advice and guidance:
- Request an appointment to see a Welfare Rights Advisor for help with forms for disability related benefits.
- Arrange a home visit if you are house bound.
- Get advice about individual benefits and tax credits (external link).
- Visit one of our outreach surgeries.
|