Benefits

If you’re having difficulty paying your rent and/or service charges, it’s worth checking whether you’re entitled to more income/benefits.

 

Benefits calculators

Find out if you're missing out on financial help by using one of the many online benefits calculators to work out your possible entitlements. We recommend Policy in Practice, where they have a handy budget and benefit calculator: www.betteroffcalculator.co.uk.

 

The calculators will give you an estimate of:

• the benefits you could get
• how much your benefit payments could be
• how your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
• how your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change - for example, if you have a child or move in with your partner

 

To get an accurate calculation, you will need information about your:

• savings
• income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
• existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
• outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
• Council Tax bill

 

You cannot use the calculators if you’re under 18, and it will not give you an accurate result if you're:

• a prisoner
• a student
• on strike
• living outside the UK
• living permanently in residential care or a nursing home

 

If you have any queries regarding your calculation, our Money Matters team can help you make sure you are claiming all the help and support you are entitled to. For advice or to request an appointment, please email [email protected].

 

Additional advice and support is also available from the following:

 

Age UK

Help and advice for older people.

Telephone: 0800 678 1602

www.ageuk.org.uk

 

Citizens Advice

Free advice and help on a wide range of issues including money, benefits, employment and consumer rights.

Telephone: 0800 144 8848

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

 

Job Centre Plus

Manage benefit claims and provide free advice on what benefits you might be entitled to.

www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

 

Benefits and Council Tax support

Mid-Sussex: www.midsussex.gov.uk

Horsham: www.horsham.gov.uk

Adur: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk

 

GOV.UK

Official UK Government website.

www.gov.uk