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.
DIAL South Worcestershire
54, Friary Walk,
Crowngate Centre,
Worcester,
WR1 3LE
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.
The 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.
If you’re in the North of the county you can get help and advice from DIAL North Worcestershire using the details below:
DIAL North Worcestershire
Telephone: 01562 60241
Website: www.nwdial.org.uk
Email: info@nwdial.org.uk
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 7310122
Claim online: www.gov.uk/government/publications/attendance-allowance-claim-form
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: 0345 608 4321
Claim online: www.dwp.gov.uk/carersallowance
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
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.
Website: www.direct.gov/Council Tax Benefit
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
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance has been replaced by PIP (see below) for adults. Children are still claim DLA. It is a tax-free benefit for children who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they have a physical or learning disability.
Website: www.direct.gov/Disability Living Allowance
To make a claim call: 0800 1214600
Claim online: www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim
Employment and Support Allowance
New style Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people under state pension age who cannot work because of illness or disability.
But Universal Credit is now more relevant
Website: www.direct.gov/Employment and Support Allowance
To make a claim call: 0800 3285644
Claim online: www.gov.uk/dwp
Help with NHS costs
If you’re incurring costs due to medical treatment you may be eligible for financial support or reimbursement. Please visit the NHS page below for more information. 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.
Website: www.nhs.uk/Health Care Costs
Help with Travel to Hospital
Means tested benefit for those in receipt of a low income, income support and certain tax credits
Website: www.worcacute.nhs.uk
Housing Benefit
Housing benefit has been replaced by Universal Credit
Website: www.direct.gov/Housing Benefit
To make a claim call: 0800 055 6688
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/browse/working/state-pension
For the Pension Service call: 0800 7317898
Pension Credit is a means tested benefit for people of pension age.
To apply for Pension Credit call: 0800 99 1234
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Has replaced DLA. Tax free benefits for adults who need help with personal care or have difficulties walking because they have a physical, learning disability or mental health issues. Not dependent of NI contributions.
Helpline: 08001214433
To make a claim: 0800 9172222
Website: www.gov.uk/pip/overview
Tax Credits
Tax credits have been replaced by Universal Credit
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/Tax Credits
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.gov.uk
Disability Rights UK
Disability Rights UK produce high quality information, products and services developed by and for disabled people
Telephone: 0330 995 0404
Website: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org
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.
Telephone: 01904 550055
Website: www.familyfund.org.uk
Email: info@familyfund.org.uk
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.
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk
Worcester Citizens Advice 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
Telephone: 0844 4111303
Website: www.citizensadviceworcester.org.uk
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.
Two Pennies Money Advice (Worcester CASH)
Telephone: 01905 27001
Website: www.twopennies.org.uk
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with living costs. It is paid monthly.
You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.
It replaces:
Child Tax Credits, Housing Benefits, Income Support, Income based Jobseekers Allowance,
Income Related ESA and Working Tax Credits
You need to apply for Universal Credit online
Help to Claim: You can get help from Citizens Advice who can support you in the early stage of a UC claim. This is a free, independent, confidential and impartial service.
Telephone Helpline: 0800 3285644
Website: www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim
Worcester Food Bank
Helping local people in crisis
Food Banks are also in Malvern, Evesham, Droitwich and other parts of Worcestershire
Telephone: 01905 780400 (Worcester)
Website: https:worcester.foodbank.org.uk
Malvern Food Bank
Website: www.malvernhills.foodbank.org.uk
Evesham Food Bank
Website: www.eveshamparish.com/foodbank.html
Pershore Food Bank
Website: www.pershore.foodbank.org.uk
Funeral Payment
You may be entitled to a funeral payment if you or your partner accept responsibility for the cost of a funeral and you are in receipt of certain qualifying benefits.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
National Debt Line
Help for anyone in debt or concerned they may fall into debt or you can contact your local CAB.
Telephone: 0808 8084000