Claiming benefits and maximising your income
You may be able to claim benefits or boost your income. We have included some information and useful contacts below to help you do this. If you need further advice call
0208 536 3955 or email
maxyourincome@east-homes.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can seek information and advice from:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – go to www.hmrc.gov.uk or call 0845 300 3900
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – go to www.dwp.gov.uk or call 0800 88 22 00
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – go to www.adviceguide.org.uk, look up your local office in your phone book or call 0870 840 8080 (London only)
- Entitled to – go to www.entitledto.co.uk to calculate whether you are eligible for benefits or tax credits.
Minimum wage
The minimum wage is set by the government and is a payment rate that no employer should go below. To find out if you are getting the right pay go to the
HMRC website or call
0208 536 3955.The rates from 1 October 2009 are:
- £5.80 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older
- £4.83 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive
- £3.57 per hour for all workers under the age of 18, who are no longer of compulsory school age
Benefits
Some people are missing out on benefits because they are not aware of what they can claim. For information about Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance and Incapacity Benefit contact Jobcentre Plus on
0800 055 6688 (8am-6pm Monday to Friday). You can also claim online at:
www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice.
The
Newham Council benefits calculator allows you to calculate the benefits you should be entitled to. Although it is provided by Newham Council, the figures should apply whatever borough you live in.
For general information on benefits for disabled people contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on
0800 88 2200 or textphone
0800 24 33 55 (for people with hearing or speech difficulties).
To apply for Pension Credit call
0800 99 1234 between 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday.
HMRC Benefits
Tax Credits are now worth more, so it is possible that you may be entitled to more money. Renew your claim to see how much you'll receive by calling
0845 300 3900 or go online at
www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.
Child Benefit can also be claimed through HMRC. You can claim Child Benefit if you’re bringing up a child or children who are: under 16 years; under 19 and studying full-time up to A level, AVCE or equivalent; or aged 16 or 17 and have recently left school and registered for work or training with the Careers Service or Connexions.
To find out more contact the East Thames HMRC advisor on
0208 536 3955 or visit the
HMRC website.
Changes to Housing Benefit Rules
As from 2nd November 2009, you may qualify for higher Housing Benefits payments. This is because Child Benefit income will now be ignored completely when calculating Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefits, and people aged 60 or over are allowed more in savings before this affects their benefits.
If you receive Child Benefit payments, or if you or your partner are aged 60 or over, you could be better off.The two changes being introduced in November 2009 are:
- The amount of savings ignored when calculating benefits for people aged 60 or over increases from £6,000 to £10,000
- Child Benefit income will be ignored completely when calculating Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
To find out whether you qualify for higher Housing Benefits under the new rules, contact the East Thames HMRC advisor on on
0208 536 3955 or visit the
HMRC website.
Child Trust Fund
A Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term savings and investment account for every child born on or after the 1st September 2002. The Government provides a voucher worth £250 to start a CTF account. Parents and grandparents can then make payments to build up the fund, which the child can access when they reach 18 years old.
For more information visit
www.childtrustfund.gov.uk or call
0845 302 1470.
Advice for dealing with loan sharks
Money problems can be stressful and borrowing can seem like an attractive option. However, the credit crunch means banks are less likely to hand out money and, if turned down, it could be tempting to turn to other options such as a loan shark. Loan sharks are happy to lend money so may seem like an easy option. However, they will charge high levels of interest, could demand payment at any time without notice, and if you are unable to pay they may use violence against you or your family.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with a loan shark you can call the London Illegal Money Lending Team 24 hours a day on
020 7364 6886, email
sharkbait@lotsa.org.uk or text Sharkbait (+ your message) to 60003.
Money-saving tips
Whether you are trying to pay off debts or simply wanting to reduce the amount you’re spending, try these simple steps to save money:
- Turn off lights whenever you leave a room and switch to energy-saving light bulbs- these last 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs.
- Consider changing your energy supplier. Visit SwitchWithWhich or call 0800 533 031 for advice on whether you could save money with a different supplier.
- Compare prices in different shops before making a big purchase.
- Use public transport – it is much cheaper than filling your car up with petrol.
- Write a shopping list before going to the supermarket. This will stop you from buying food that you don’t need.
- Make packed lunches for you and your family instead of buying meals while at work, school or out and about.
- Consider selling unwanted possessions on a website like eBay.