Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire says there is help to residents in the form of benefits to help with the cost of living.

Their column in this week's BFP says: 

There is help available to you in the form of benefits to help with the cost of living - for example if you’re unemployed, retired or on a low income. Check if you can get help with housing costs, or help with the cost of childcare while you work.

First, there is Universal Credit. To claim you must: be 18 years old or over, be under State Pension age, live in the UK and have less than £16,000 in savings.

Next you might be able to get Housing Benefit to help pay your rent if you’re on a low income or you claim benefits. 

Housing Benefit is paid by your local council. However be aware most people can’t make a new claim for Housing Benefit, so please check if you are eligible.

There is also working and child tax credits, however there are certain conditions you must meet, so please check if you are eligible.

If you are unemployed or working less than16 hours a week, you might be able to get ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) while you look for a full-time job and thus you’re out of work, or if you’re working less than 16 hours a week. To claim you must meet certain criteria.

Finally there is Pension Credit, is a weekly benefit to boost your income. It’s based on how much money you have coming in. There are two parts to Pension Credit, called Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You might get one or both parts. 

To claim Pension Credit you must: have reached State Pension Age, not have too much income or savings and live in the UK.

If you need further support, contact us on 0808 278 7914.
Citizens Advice, East Berkshire