Finance and Benefits
Helping you find out which benefits you're eligible for and supporting your application is what we do, so please contact us to discuss your situation and arrange an appointment.
You can reach us on 01905 27790 or email us at wba@dialsworcs.org.uk.
See our Benefits Advice page for more information on what we can do to help.
If you're in the North of the county you can get help and advice from DIAL North Worcestershire using the details below:
Connect (Wyre Forest),
10-12 Blackwell Street,
Kidderminster
DY10 2DP
Tel: 01562 60241
Adviceline Tel: 0800 970 7202
Website: www.nwdial.org.uk
Email: admin@nwdial.org.uk
There are numerous benefit payments available depending on your circumstances, and you'll find some basic details and links to information on them all here. If this all seems overwhelming and confusing - don't worry, but please pick up the phone and get in touch with us.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for disabled people aged 65 or over who need care because of an illness or disability.
Website: www.direct.gov/Attendance Allowance
To make a claim call: 0800 88 22 00
Claim online: www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice
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Budgeting Loan
If you're on a low income and need help with certain important costs, you may be able to get an interest-free Budgeting Loan from the Social Fund that you pay back.
To make a claim, contact your local Job Centre Plus. You can find their details here: Employment Services
Website: www.direct.gov/Budgeting Loan
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Carers Allowance
Carer's Allowance is a benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled. You don't have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
Website: www.direct.gov/Carers Allowance
To make a claim, call the Carer's Allowance Unit: 0845 608 4321
Claim online: www.dwp.gov.uk/carersallowance
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Cold Weather Payment
If you're receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment for each period of very cold weather in your area. If you're eligible you should receive this automatically with your relevant benefit payment.
Website: www.direct.gov/Cold Weather Payment
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Community Care Grant
If you need financial help to live independently in the community or to ease exceptional pressure on you and your family you may be able to get a Community Care Grant, which you don't have to pay back. You can apply using links from the information page below.
Website: www.direct.gov/Community Care Grant
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Council Tax Benefit
If you're on a low, or no, income and need financial help to pay your Council Tax bill, you may be able to get Council Tax Benefit.
To make a claim call: 0800 055 6688
Website: www.direct.gov/Council Tax Benefit
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Crisis Loans
If you need financial help with an emergency or disaster you may be able to get a Crisis Loan; an interest-free loan from the Social Fund that you pay back.
To make a claim call: 0800 032 7952
Website: www.direct.gov/Crisis Loans
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Direct Payments
Direct payments are local council payments for people who have been assessed as needing help from social services, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the local council.
A person must be able to give their consent to getting direct payments and manage them, even if they need daily help to do this.
If you're in receipt of social care services then to apply for Direct Payments you need to talk to your Social Worker. If you're applying for social care services for the first time then the Social Worker should discuss Direct Payments with you.
Website: www.direct.gov/Direct Payments
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Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance - sometimes referred to as DLA - is a tax-free benefit for children and adults (under 65) who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled.
Website: www.direct.gov/Disability Living Allowance
To make a claim call: 0800 88 22 00
Claim online: www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/
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Employment and Support Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support that is paid because of an illness or disability and is designed to help people with an illness or disability to move into work.
Website: www.direct.gov/Employment and Support Allowance
To make a claim call: 0800 055 6688
Claim online: www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/
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Help with NHS costs
If you're incurring costs due to medical treatment you may be eligible for financial support or reimbursement. This includes for things like travel costs - not just treatment. Please visit the NHS page below for more information.
Website: www.nhs.uk/Health Care Costs
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Housing Benefit
If you're on a low income, whether you're working or not, and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent, you may be able to get Housing Benefit. You can apply using links from the information page below, or on the below telephone number.
Website: www.direct.gov/Housing Benefit
To make a claim call: 0800 055 6688
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Income Support
Income Support is extra money to help people on a low income. ItÕs for people who don't have to sign on as unemployed. Whether you qualify or not and how much you get depends on your circumstances. You can apply using links from the information page below, or on the below telephone number.
Website: www.direct.gov/Income Support
To make a claim call: 0800 055 6688
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Job Seeker's Allowance
JobseekerÕs Allowance is the main benefit for people of working age who are out of work or work less than 16 hours a week on average. If you're eligible, it is paid while you're looking for work.
Website: www.direct.gov/Job Seekers Allowance
To make a claim call: 0800 055 6688
Claim online: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_178228
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Pension Information and Pension Credits
Information on your state pension, pension credits and benefits you may be eligible for whilst claiming your pension.
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/Pensions
To apply for Pension Credit call: 0800 99 1234
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Tax Credits
Tax credits are payments from the government. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. You can often get both types of tax credits. They aren't taxable.
Tel: 0845 300 3900
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/Tax Credits
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The Department of Work and Pensions
If you have a general enquiry about benefits, if you would like to make a complaint or if you need to appeal a decision made about your benefits you can find details of how to do so on the DWP website below. If you need to make a complaint or appeal a decision, then please contact DIAL as we can help you consider how best to do so.
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk/Contact
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Disability Alliance
Disability Alliance is a national registered charity which works to relieve the poverty and improve the living standards of disabled people. They aim to break any link between poverty and disability.
Universal House,
88-94 Wentworth Street,
London,
E1 7SA
Tel: 020 7247 8776
Website: www.disabilityalliance.org
Email: office@disabilityalliance.org
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Family Fund
The Family Fund helps families with severely disabled or seriously ill children and young people aged 17 and under to have choices and the opportunity to enjoy ordinary life. They can provide financial grants for things that make life easier and more enjoyable for the disabled child, young person and their family, such as washing machines, driving lessons, computers and holidays.
4 Alpha Court,
Monks Cross Drive,
York,
YO32 9WN
Tel: 0845 130 4542
Website: www.familyfund.org.uk
Email: info@familyfund.org.uk
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Turn 2 Us
Turn 2 Us are a charitable service which helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help.
Adviceline Tel: 0808 802 2000
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk
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Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau and WHABAC
Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau and Worcester Housing and Benefits Advice Centre (WHABAC) offer a range of services and provide information and advice on debt, benefits, housing, family, employment, Public Law and many other general areas of advice.
The Hopmarket,
The Foregate,
Worcester,
WR1 1DL
Tel: 01905 611371
Website: www.cabwhabac.org.uk
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Worcester CASH
Worcester CASH is a local charity that aims to support those struggling with the stressful effect of debt and the difficulties faced by those struggling to survive on a low income. Their advisors are trained and experienced in handling various aspects of debt counselling and senior advisors are members of the Institute of Money Advisers.
