« DIAL Home Page « « Index to Guide «FOR ADVICE ABOUT BENEFITS CONTACT DIAL - Contact DIALATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE Benefit for people aged 65 and over who need help with personal care because of an illness or disability Not a means tested benefit. Tel. 0845 7123456 www.dwp.gov.uk CARERS ALLOWANCE Taxable benefit for people who are giving regular and substantial care to a severely disabled person who is in receipt of the qualifying benefits CA is not dependent on NI contributions Tel. 0800 882200 www.dwp.gov.uk email: CA-Customer-Services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk CHRISTMAS BONUS Tax-free bonus paid automatically on certain disability benefits COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS Paid to a person getting Income Support, which includes a pensioner premium, disability premium, or the family includes a child under 5 COMMUNITY CARE GRANTS, CRISIS LOANS, AND BUDGETING LOAN The Social Fund is a discretionary grant available for people on income support in special circumstances, to lead independent lives in the community, for example, elderly or disabled people COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT If you pay a Council Tax contribution and are on a low income you may be able to claim a rebate Contact your Local Council Office DIRECT PAYMENTS SCHEME Contact your Social Worker Social Services office DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (DLA) Benefit for people aged 64 and under who have mobility problems or need help with personal care because of an illness or disability. Not a means tested benefit. Tel. 0845 7123456 HELP WITH NHS COSTS NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, sight tests, vouchers for glasses and contact lenses, NHS wigs and fabric supports are available for people on a low income, Income Support, and certain tax credits Tel. 0845 6088665 HELP WITH TRAVEL COSTS TO HOSPITAL Means tested benefit for those in receipt of a low income, Income Support and certain tax credits Tel. 0845 6088665 HOUSING BENEFIT Housing Benefit is paid by local councils to people who need help to pay their rent because of low income Contact your Local Council Office INCAPACITY BENEFIT Benefit for people under state pension age who are unable to work because of an illness or disability Tel. 0845 6088665 INCOME SUPPORT Means tested top-up benefit for people aged 16 or over who have an income below a certain level and who are not working 16 hours or more a week Additional premiums may be available Tel. 0845 6088665 PENSION SERVICES Advice and information relating to state pensions. Tel. 0845 6060265 TAX CREDITS Child Tax Credit For people responsible for children (under 16 or under 19 if in full time non - advanced education). Can be paid in or out of work. Income based (no capital limit) Tel. 0845 300 3900 Working Tax Credit For adults working generally 30 hours per week, or 16 hours per week in certain circumstances e.g with children or a disability. Tel. 0845 300 3900 Pension Credit A means tested benefit for people of pension age. Tel. 0800 991234 CAN YOU CLAIM TAX BACK ? - interest paid on building society or bank accounts is almost always taxed before you get it If you don't pay tax, or only pay tax at 10%, contact the Inland Revenue to reclaim overpaid tax More details from www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/taxback/intro or telephone the Taxback Helpline on 0845 077 6543 PREMIUMS For people in receipt of Income Support, Minimum Income Guarantee or Tax Credits Premiums are available for groups of people with special needs, such as families with children, people with disabilities, people aged 50 plus and people who are getting, or are entitled to get, Carers Allowance Leaflets about benefits are available from DIAL (page 5), Post Offices and Department of Work and Pensions DEPARTMENT OF WORK and PENSIONS Formerly Benefits Agency Local Office:- Vine House, Farrier St, Worcester WR1 3EL Tel. 01905 720300 www.dwp.gov.uk SOCIAL FUND Budget loans, maternity grants, community care grants, and funeral expenses The Social Fund is a discretionary fund generally available to people on income support and pension credit in special circumstances. For example, elderly or disabled people. Telephone DIAL for further information or contact the Social Fund: General enquiries Tel. 0845 6088649 Crisis loans Tel. 0800 1699891 WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS Paid to a person aged 60 or over and who is resident in the UK and receives a state pension or any social benefits. Please telephone to check eligibility. Tel. 0845 9151515 WORCESTER HOUSING AND BENEFITS ADVICE CENTRE (WHABAC) Worcester City Only Worcester Housing and Benefits Advice Centr Information and Advocacy 13A Lowesmoor, Worcester WR1 2RS Contact for availability Tel. 01905 612774 email: enquiries@whabac.org.uk WYCHAVON DISTRICT COUNCIL Wychavon only Welfare Benefits Advisor, The Civic Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore WR10 1PZ Tel. 01386 565000 Ext. 5574 www.wychavon.gov.uk « DIAL Home Page « « Index to Guide « |