You may be eligible for extra income through welfare benefits. If you're already receiving some benefits, there may be other support available that you may be missing out on.

Knowing your benefits rights and how to claim will help you get all the help you're entitled to. The benefits system may be complex, but it doesn't have to be confusing.

We can help with claims for Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit and any issues around benefits. You can email us on adviceteamreferrals@southwayhousing.co.uk or visit our Contact Us page for other ways to get in touch. 

  • You may be eligible for benefits if you:
    • 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.

  • What benefits may I be entitled to? (and how to apply)

    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. We recommend you use the Turn2us benefits calculator, but feel free to use others.

    If you have any difficulties in using the benefits calculator, or need additional support, please contact our Advice Team via email adviceteamreferrals@southwayhousing.co.uk or see our Contact Us page for other ways to reach us.

    We can help with claims for Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit and any issues around benefits.

    Or you can get in touch with your local Citizens Advice.

  • What can we help you with?

    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.

     

  • Pension Credit

    When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner of pension age, your income is calculated together. If your partner is not pension age, they must claim Universal Credit for you instead. Find out more here.

    Pension Credit tops up applicable from April 2025

    • your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single
    • your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner of pension age

    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.

  • More Welfare and Benefit information
    • Non-dependent deductions - Does someone age 18 or over live with you?
      Non-dependants are normally classed as anyone living with you aged 18 or over (if you are getting Universal Credit, it’s 21 or over).  The government assumes that these adults will contribute towards household costs, including your rent and Council Tax.  They can therefore deduct a sum of money from your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support entitlement, and this is called a non-dependant deduction. If you are getting Universal Credit, they can take a sum of money from it- and its official title is a ‘housing cost contribution’ but we’ll refer to it here as a non-dependant deduction.
      These rules are complicated and the wrong deduction can sometimes be made – making a big difference to your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and Council Tax Support award, and so to how much rent and council tax you have to pay

      More information around non-dependent deductions (government website)

    • Discretionary Housing Payments
      Every year the government gives local councils a pot of money to make Discretionary Housing Payments to help people who qualify for Housing Benefit (or the housing costs element of Universal Credit) who are having trouble with:
      • Paying their rent, or
      • Finding enough money to pay for the start-up costs of a tenancy, such as rent deposits and removal costs.
    • Council Tax Support
      Council Tax Support helps people on low income and/or certain Welfare Benefits to pay their Council Tax. If you think you would qualify, you'll need to apply to your Council for a reduction.
      Claiming Universal Credit?
      Unlike Housing Benefit, Universal Credit does not include Council Tax Support. If you are claiming Universal Credit, then you MUST make a separate claim for Council Tax Support from your Council. Click here to apply. 
    • Benefit Cap
      Are you a large family or live in a property with a high rent?
      The government introduced rules which limit the overall amount of welfare benefits a ‘working age’ household can receive. It does not affect you if you and your partner are Pension Credit age.
      The cap mainly affects large families (4 or more children – 3 or more in higher rented areas).
      Check the Benefit Cap Calculator to see if you are effected.
      If you (or you and your partner) are affected it is worth checking to see if you can claim one of the benefits that will exclude you from the Cap. 
       
  • Further Information and Advice

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