As part of our Here for You campaign, we are hosting events at our Life Centres, libraries and local community venues to ensure that local people are getting all of the support they are entitled to during the cost of living crisis.
We know that both locally and nationally, many of us are missing out on income we’re entitled to claim.
This might be because you don’t know you may be entitled, you might have difficulty completing forms or you might just not be sure where to turn to for support.
That’s why we’re hosting drop in events across our borough with teams of friendly expert people ready to help.
We’re here to complete benefit checks to make sure that you are in receipt of all current entitlements based on your circumstances and to help you complete any necessary claim forms for benefits you might not realise you’re eligible to apply for.
Whatever your situation, you’ll be continually supported throughout the entire process.
Both national and local support offers can change quite regularly, so it’s always worth checking what the current offer is and if you are eligible, even if you may have been refused support before or think you won’t be entitled to any help.
The details of our upcoming events are shown below, please come along and join us. Our team of friendly, expert advisers will be able to discuss the support that is available and help you to make a claim.
If you would like further details regarding the upcoming events or can’t make an event and would like to discuss how we can help you, please contact us on 01942 489015. Remember, we’re here for you.
Leigh Life Centre
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Wigan Life Centre North
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
School Uniform and Income Maximisation events
In partnership with Rebuild with Hope, Citizens Advice Wigan Borough and Aim Northwest: Uniformity, we are hosting a series of school uniform events, providing families with the opportunity to purchase school uniforms at a fraction of the usual price and access income maximisation support and advice on energy savings.
At the events, local providers will offer school uniforms at a significantly reduced price, helping families to alleviate the financial burden when preparing for the upcoming school year.
Expert, friendly advisors from our Income Maximisation team will be on hand at the events to help make sure you are getting all the support that you are entitled too. We will also be a listening ear and helping hand to signpost you in the right direction for other help.
Specialist Citizens Advice officers and will be available at the events providing advice on how you can save on your energy bill.
We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to purchase high-quality school uniforms at a huge, discounted price and access vital support services from our Income Maximisation team and partners.
Details of our upcoming school uniform events:
Rebuild With Hope Community Hub, Grand Arcade, Wigan
- Wednesday 2nd July, 9.30am to 4.00pm
Leigh Library, Turnpike Centre, Civic Square, Market Street, Leigh
- Wednesday 16th July, 10.30am to 2.00pm
- Wednesday 20th August, 10.30am to 2.00pm
Ince Community Centre, Manchester Road, Wigan
- Tuesday 22nd July, 10.30am to 2.00pm
Dorset Road Community Centre, 31 Dorset Road, Atherton
- Wednesday 30th July, 10.30am to 2.00pm
Fur Clemt, 84 Montrose Avenue, Wigan
- Wednesday 6th August, 10.30am to 2.00pm
Clifton Street Community Centre, Clifton Street, Poolstock
- Wednesday 13th August, 10.30am to 2.00pm
How we've helped local people like you
The impact of attending these drop in events can be life changing. Take a look at how we’ve helped residents just like you access additional support they are entitled to.
William and Pamela's story
As a result of attending our drop in event at Leigh, William and Pamela now receive the following:
- Pension Credit Guarantee including Severe Disability Premium and Carers Premium
- Attendance Allowance for William
- Attendance Allowance for Pamela
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefits.
Colin and Linda's story
As a result of attending our drop in event at Wigan, Colin and Linda now receive the following:
- Attendance Allowance for Colin
- Attendance Allowance for Linda
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefits.
Please come along to one of our sessions and let us support you to claim what you are entitled to.
Pension Credit
Did you know millions of pounds of Pension Credit remains unclaimed?
In Wigan over 8,000 people claim Pension Credit. It is estimated that over 4,000 pensioners are eligible but have not made a claim. If you think you may be entitled, please make a claim or let us help you.
People getting Pension Credit may be entitled to other benefits like:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- Council Tax discount
- Free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
- Help with dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Eligibility to a Winter Fuel Payment
- Discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house.
Please don’t miss out if you haven’t made a claim but think you may be eligible visit pension credit (external link).
Other support that is available
If you find yourself in financial crisis, please don’t go through it alone. There is support available, including through our Welfare offer. Call us on 01942 489015 or find out more on our Here for You pages.