What is income support?

You may be able to get income support if you
are aged 16-59 and any of the following apply:

  • You are a lone parent
  • You are registered sick or disabled
  • You’re a student and either a lone parent or
    disabled.
  • You’re caring for someone who is sick and/or
    elderly.
  • You’re pregnant and your baby is due in the
    next 11 weeks.

You usually have to make a claim for income support by phone.

Tel: 0800 0121888 Text phone: 0800 4230888

Can I get help with my mortgage?

You could ask your mortgage provider if you could have a payment holiday or pay a reduced fee for a short time. Keep your lender informed of the
situation.

You may be entitled to Homeowners Mortgage Support. This can help if you have a sudden unexpected drop in income, you could be eligible to delay some of the interest payments on your mortgage. For more information on this you need to contact your lender to see if they support this scheme.

You may be eligible for the mortgage rescue scheme. This is run by your local council and may help if you are having serious difficulties in making your mortgage repayments and you are in danger of being repossessed. To qualify for this scheme your household must include
someone with priority needs. For more information please contact your local council or access the website www.direct.gov.uk

For more information regarding any of the
benefits mentioned please access the directgov
website www.direct.gov.uk

Or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau
Tel: 0844 4994199
Website: www.adviceguide.org.uk

Am I entitled to any financial help?

There are a number of benefits which you may be entitled to depending upon your circumstances. To find out what benefits you could qualify for, access the directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk This includes an online benefits guide which covers:

  • Carers Allowance
  • Child Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Jobseekers Allowance

What are Child/Working Tax Credits?

Tax Credits are a payment from the Government.
If you are responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but have low wages you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. If you are entitled to tax credits you may also get help with any childcare costs incurred due to working. The childcare element of working tax credits can help with up to 80% of eligible childcare costs. Tel: 0845 3003900
Text Phone: 0845 3003909 Or write to:
Tax Credit Office, Preston, PR1 0SB.

What is Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is a tax free payment that you can claim for your child. The payment can be claimed by anyone who qualifies, whatever their income or savings.
Tel: 0845 3021444 Text phone: 0845 3021474 Or write to: Child Benefit Office, PO Box 1,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE88 1AA.

What is housing benefit or council tax benefit?

Housing benefit and council tax benefit could help you meet the cost of your rent and or council tax bill. You may be entitled to housing benefit and/or council tax benefit if you pay rent and your income, both Capital and/or Savings is below a certain level. You need to contact your local council in order to make a claim. If you are unsure who your local councilis you can
check your eligibility at www.direct.gov.uk