There are a range of benefits available to help people on low incomes or with disabilities, if you are unsure of what you might be able to claim or how to claim benefits please get in touch.
see below for a list of the main types of support available:
JSA
Stands for Job Seekers Allowance, this is available to unemployed people of working age, not in full time education. if you have more than £16000 is savings there are limits on how long you can claim for.
This is paid at two rates
18-24: £57.90
25+: £73.10
There are limits on the types of people who can apply for JSA click here
ESA
Stands for Employment Support Allowance, this is available to those who are ill or disabled and want to return to work.
To apply for ESA you need to be of working age, have a doctors note and medical evidence explaining how your illness or disability affects your work. You then will then be invited for a Work Capability Assessment where a doctor employed by the DWP will interview you to see how your illness or disability affects your life.
While you're in the assessment group ESA will be paid at the same rate as JSA. If you pass the Work capability assessment ESA will be padi at two rates.
£102.15 a week for the work-related activity group
£109.30 for the support group
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a new benefit that is replacing income based JSA, income related ESA, income support, Working tax credit, child tax credit and housing benefit.
The amount you'll get will depend on your income and circumstances.
You will be expected to attend a Job Centre for regular meetings,
PIP
Personal Independence Payment is a benefit that covers some of the extra costs caused by long term ill-health or disability.
You could get between £21.80 and £139.75 a week depending on how the condition affects you.
To claim you need to call 0800 917 2222
Housing Benefit
You can get housing benefit to help out with your rent if you're on a low income, how much you'll get depends on your circumstances.
if you are privately renting your level of benefit will be decided by your local LHA rate. This is decided by postcode and is the maximum amount of housing benefit you can claim in an area.
To check your LHA rate click here
if you live in social or council housing and have a spare bedroom you may be affected by the bedroom tax.
The reduction is 14% for 1 spare bedroom
The reduction is 25% for 2 or more spare bedrooms
Carers Allowance
You can claim £62.10 a week if you care for someone for 35 hours or more and they claim certain benefits