Welfare Benefits

• Have a low income
• Have children
• Are sick or disabled
• Are a full-time carer
• Have been bereaved

Your age, income and where you live are also affecting factors.

You can use the benefit calculator, or agencies such as Citizens Advice, or you can contact the Advice Team at Southway to request a benefits calculation. 

We can help with claims for Personal Independence Payment, Employment Support Allowance and any issues around benefits.

Need more information on Welfare Benefits?

• To find out more click here
• Or contact our Advice Team here.

If you're claiming benefits for the first time, it's a good idea to speak to us about your options.

We can help you with:

• Checking what you're entitled to
• Completing online forms
• Getting decisions changed, including supporting you with Mandatory Reconsiderations and appeals
• Home visits, if necessary

Contact us and ask to speak to the Advice Team. A Welfare Rights Advisor can provide any support you need.

 

• 67% of PIP tribunals were judged in the claimant's favour last year
• Our Advice Team's welfare rights specialists are often successful at winning appeals

All benefit applications must be completed via the government website.

To find out what benefits you are entitled to, click here for a benefit calculator. 

Once you have carried out your calculation, you will be presented with the correct applications to apply for the benefits directly.

If you have any difficulties in using the benefits calculator, or need additional support, please don't hesitate to contact us.

When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.

Pension Credit tops up applicable from April 2023

• your weekly income to £201.05 if you’re single
• your joint weekly income to £306.85 if you have a partner

If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.

Could Pension Credit give you extra income?

To carry out a check, click here.

For more information, and to make a claim, click here.

What is Pension Credit?

There are two types of Pension Credit: Guarantee Pension Credit and Savings Pension Credit. Some people get one or the other, whereas some people may get both.

Guarantee Pension Credit is a benefit which people of Pension Credit Age can claim; it tops up their income to a minimum level. It is much more generous than working age means-tested benefits. Even if you are entitled to a small amount, you will automatically qualify for the maximum help with your rent, so it is well worth making a claim. Even if you're not sure whether you'll qualify, you've got nothing to lose.

Savings Pension Credit is for people aged 65 and over. It provides extra money to some people who have made some additional provisions for their retirement, such as a private or workplace pension.

If you reached the State Pension age on, or after, the 6th April 2016, you will not be entitled to claim Savings Pension Credit. 

Important: Changes to Pension Credit

As of the 15th May 2019, mixed-age couples will no longer be able to apply for Pension Credit, if the younger of the couple is of working age.

If you are in a mixed-age couple, and one of you qualifies for Pension Credit, you will have to claim Universal Credit instead. Click here for more information.

Need further help or advice? This may concern benefit decisions, appeals (representation), and correct benefits - contact us here