Maximising your income

If you are struggling to cover your bills, make sure you are claiming all the financial assistance you are entitled to. Don't forget many of you will have contributed through tax and national insurance. You can still claim even if you have not paid national insurance. Below are some of the most common benefits you can claim.

Attendance Allowance
If you need assistance with personal care and are over 65, you could get up to £67 a week. Claim at www.dwp.gov.uk This link will open in a new window (This link will open in a new window), or ring 0800 88 22 00

Carers Allowance
If you have someone in your home who needs care due to a disability and you do not work full time because they need your care, you could get £50.55 per week. Visit www.dwp.gov.uk This link will open in a new window (This link will open in a new window), or call 0800 88 22 00.

Child Benefit
This is paid to all families with children under the age of 20, who are still in full time education (up to A level). You can get £18.80 for the first child and £12.55 each for any other children. Claim at www.hmrc.gov.uk.

There are many other awards. Some take into account your income and household, others don't. For a full list of awards and the criteria for claiming go to www.dwp.gov.uk This link will open in a new window (This link will open in a new window).

Council awards
For information about:

Free school meals (This link will open in a new window) , school transport (This link will open in a new window) and uniform allowances, or call 03456 009 009.
Housing Benefit to help with rent and Council Tax Benefits, as well as Bus Passes for the over 60's or disabled and home improvement grants , or call 01883 722000.

Disability Living Allowance
If you need assistance with personal care, and/or getting around due to a disability, you could get up to £67 a week (£113.75 if you qualify on both counts). You must be under 65 when you first claim. Claim at www.dwp.gov.uk This link will open in a new window (This link will open in a new window)., or ring 0800 88 22 00.

Employment and Support Allowance
(previously called Job Seekers Allowance and Incapacity Benefit).

If you are out of work or working just a few hours, you can get up to £60.50 per week, more if you have a family or others dependant on you who also do not work. You can claim at your local Job Centre, or call 0800 055 66 88.
If you are unable to work due to sickness or disability, you could get up to £102.25 a week. Claim at www.dwp.gov.uk (This link will open in a new window), or call 0800 055 6688.

Pension Credits
These can be awarded to top up the basic, or no state pension and for pensioners with some savings. A pension for a single person should be no less than £124.05 a week and for a couple £189.35. Claim at www.pensionservice.gov.uk This link will open in a new window (This link will open in a new window), or ring 0800 99 1234.

Tax Credits
If you are on a low income you can get Tax Credits. These are paid in your salary by your employer, who is reimbursed by the government, or direct into your account if you do not work.

Child Tax Credit is awarded to families with children in full-time (not higher) education. You do not have to work to qualify for this. A combined income (claimant and partner) is considered, along with the size of your family and number of hours you work. For example a family with two children would still qualify for something, even if their salary was as high as £50,000 a year.
Working Tax Credit is awarded if you are over 25 and work the specified hours. You do not have to have children to qualify.

You can claim by calling 0845 300 3900. Tax Credits can also help with child care costs.

For further information please contact Customer Services on 01883 722000 or e-mail customerservices@tandridge.gov.uk

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

Maps and directions to our offices.

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