If you are struggling financially, having difficulty paying your rent or council tax or other expenses, it is worth checking to see if you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.
There are a few websites that you can visit to see what benefits you may be eligible to claim, these being:
These are general websites, and for more detailed information, you would need to contact the relevant benefit agencies direct.
You can also contact the local Citizens Advice Bureau on 0845 120 2959 or Law Centre on 01983 524715 to get further advice on benefits that may be available to you; or if you are aged 50 or over you can contact Age Concern Isle of Wight on 01983 525282 for benefits advice.
Below is a list of the main benefits that you may be eligible to receive, and contact details for the agencies that provide them:
Deals with a variety of benefits and services for people. Details of benefits available can be accessed via their website http://www.dwp.gov.uk/ or you can contact the following individual offices for further information and to apply for these benefits:
Provides financial support for people who are aged between 16 and 65. There are a number of benefits available depending on your circumstances. Jobcentre Plus can be contacted on 0800 055 6688 or you can view their website at http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/
Part of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission and its role is to ensure that parents who live apart from their children contribute financially to their upkeep by paying child maintenance. For general enquiries they can be contacted on 08457 133 133 or via their website at http://www.csa.gov.uk/
Collects the bulk of UK tax revenue and also help support families and workers through the benefits and credits they administer. They are responsible for paying Child Benefit, Child Trust fund payments, and tax credits. To discuss tax credits call 0845 300 3900, for child benefit call 0845 302 1444. You can view their website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
The Isle of Wight Council and the Local Pension Service are now working in partnership to ensure that older people on the Isle of Wight are aware of all their benefit entitlements. If you need assistance on completing an application form or information on any benefits relating to people over 60 years please phone 0800 917 9149. If you require a home visit please phone the above number. Other information relating to benefits is available from http://www.direct.gov.uk/
Assists with benefits and advice to those with disabilities and the people that care for them. They can be contacted for benefit enquiries on 0800 88 22 00 or by text phone on 0800 24 33 55.
All of the above can be applied for, or further information given about, by calling the council on 01983 823950 or by viewing the council’s Revenues and Benefits pages.