Benefits What Can I Claim- [Our Top 10 For 2023] IN PROGRESS
Benefits What Can I Claim? – [Our Top 10 For 2023]
There are lots of Uk benefits that you may be entitled to from the Government but not claiming them.
This blog will tell you all about the top 10 benefits available that you should be claiming and how to go about getting them.
We also tell you what other help you may be entitled to but not claiming too!
Who Is Entitled To Benefits?
BENEFITS WHAT CAN I CLAIM ?
Your first port of call should be the Gov Uk Site
There are 3 Popular benefits Calculators
Top 10 Benefits To Claim For 2023
How To Apply For An Eco 4 Grant
Who Is Entitled To Pension Credit?
To qualify for pension credit you must:
- Live in the UK – England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Have reached state pension age.
- Have a weekly income below £201.05 if you’re single, or £306.85 if you’re in a couple.
- If you’re in a couple, you’ll BOTH need to have reached state pension age. You don’t have to be married or in a civil partnership, you’re considered a couple if you live together. For couples, one partner applies and then provides income and savings details for both partners.
Extra criteria for savings credit:
- To qualify for the savings element as well (if you’re making a new claim) you also need to have reached 65 if you’re a man, and 63 if you’re a woman, before 6 April 2016 – the state pension ages back then.
- You need to earn above the threshold amount of £174.49 if you’re single, or £277.12 if you’re in a couple.
- However, if you’re part of a couple and just one of you satisfies ALL of these conditions, you could still qualify for savings credit as a couple. You or your partner must:
– Have been awarded savings credit before 6 April 2016.
– Have remained entitled to savings credit at all times since 6 April 2016.
SOURCE – MONEY SAVING EXPERT.COM
How To Claim Pension Credit
- Call The Helpine 0800 99 1234
- Visit The Pension Credit Claims Site
Who Is Entitled To The Cost Of Living Payment?
You are eligible for the cost of living payment if you are entitled to any of the following:
- Child tax credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Pension credit
- Universal credit – unless your universal credit was reduced to £0 for the entire period between 26 January 2023 to 25 February 2023. This is sometimes called a ‘nil award’ and can happen where you or your partner’s earnings or savings go up, you start getting another benefit or you get paid more than one set of wages within that period.
- Working tax credit
If you’re not currently getting any benefits and you’re on a low income, it’s worth using our 10-minute benefits checker to ensure you’re not missing out on vital support.
SOURCE – MONEY SAVING EXPERT.COM
How To Claim The Cost Of Living Payment
You do not need to apply.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.
This includes if you’re found to be eligible at a later date.
Who Is Entitled To Tax Credits?
Tax credits, despite the name, are benefit payments to support people with children or who are in work but on low incomes.
There are two types of tax credits:
- Child tax credit. For people with children, whether working or not. Eligibility depends on how many children you have and the number of hours you work.
- Working tax credit. For people who work, but are on low income (doesn’t matter if you’ve got kids or not).
The amount you can get depends on a number of factors:
- Your income. The more you earn, the less you’re likely to get. However, there’s no set income limit as what you get depends on your (and your partner’s, if you have one) circumstances.
- Whether you’re single or in a couple. Couples need to make joint claims based on household income.
- When your children were born. Your children’s birth dates determine how much support you can get for them.
- Your working hours. You need to work at least a minimum number of hours per week to be eligible. Overtime only counts if you work the hours regularly. See detailed working hours rules.
- Whether you’ve a disability. More is available for those getting some disability or sickness benefits.
SOURCE – MONEY SAVING EXPERT.COM
How To Claim Tax Credits
Most people can no longer apply for tax credits.
The government are pushing people onto a new benefit called Universal Credit.
If you need support with your income and it’s the first time, or it’s a new claim after a period when you weren’t claiming tax credits, you’ll need to apply for universal credit.
People still receiving tax credits will continue to get them until :
- your personal circumstances change
- or you’re moved on to universal credit automatically.as part of the ‘managed migration’.
How To Apply For An Eco 4 Grant
Who Is Entitled To Housing Benefit?
- Housing benefit gives help with part or all of the cost of rent to those who are on low incomes or claim certain benefits.
- You can claim whether you’re employed or unemployed, but if you live with your partner, only one of you can get housing benefit.
How To Claim Housing Benefit
- Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit.
- Most people will need to claim Universal Credit instead.
Who Is Entitled To PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability.
How To Claim Personal Independence Payments
- Call to start your claim. 0800 917 2222 You’ll then be sent a form that asks about your condition.
- Complete and return the form.
- You might need to have an assessment, if more information is needed.
Who Is Entitled To Universal Credit?
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part time)
- unable to work, for example because of a health condition
To claim you must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
How To Claim Universal Credit
- Call 0800 328 5644
- Make A Claim Online
Who Is Entitled To a Free Bus Pass ?
In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age which is currently 66 for men and women.
If you are disabled You’re eligible for a disabled person’s pass if you live in England and are ‘eligible disabled’.
Contact your local council to find out who issues disabled bus passes in your area as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
How To Claim a Free Bus Pass ?
Most bus passes can be applied for online through your local council’s website.
Make sure you have all the right documents when you apply,
Who Is Entitled To Free Eye Tests ?
You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- are under 16
- are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- are 60 or over
- are registered as partially sighted or blind
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement
You’re also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
If you’re entitled to or named on:
- a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice), you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
- a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of a private sight test.
How To Claim Free Eye Tests
Visit any local optician with your benefits paperwork and they will carry out a free eye test if you are found to be eligible.
Who Is Entitled To A Free Benefits Check ?
Everyone is entitled to a free benefits check.
See the below checkers.
How To Claim A Free Benefits Check
There are 3 Popular benefits Calculators
Who Is Entitled To Free Prescriptions?
You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:
- are 60 or over
- are under 16
- are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
- have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
- have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
- hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
- are an NHS inpatient
You’re also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
If you’re entitled to or named on:
- a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice. You qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
- a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
How To Claim Free Prescriptions
Visit your local chemist with your paperwork and they will preocess your free prescriptions.
How To Apply For An Eco 4 Grant
How Much Money Can You Have In The Bank And Still Claim Benefits UK?
Which Benefits Aren’t Means Tested?
- Attendance Allowance.
- Bereavement Support Payment.
- Carer’s Allowance.
- Disability Living Allowance.
- New style Employment and Support Allowance.
- Personal Independence Payment.
- State Pension.
Who is classed as low income?
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