Benefits that might help
If a woman needs to enquire about whether she is entitled to any benefits it is a good idea to seek independent advice from the Inland Revenue, Citizen’s Advice, Jobcentre Plus or a family lawyer. A woman who is not working or on a low income can apply for a number of benefits.
Income Support
For people under 60 on a low income, not working or working on average less than 16 hours per week. For more information visit the Job Centre Plus website.
Job Seekers' Allowance
(Can be income based or contribution based.) If you are capable of working; available for work and actively seeking work; currently working less than 16 hours per week; and on a low income. Visit the Job Centre Plus Website for more information.
Housing Benefit
Helps towards the cost of rent. You do not have to get any other benefits.
It does not cover all housing costs, e.g. mortgage interest if you are buying your home. If you get Income Support or income based Jobseekers Allowance you may be able to get help with these other housing costs as part of your benefit.
For what's available to those on low incomes and paying rent see Broxtowe Borough Council website or Department of Work and Pensions website.
Council Tax Benefit
Helps towards your council tax. Available if you are on a low income and paying council tax.
In the situation of domestic violence there are some benefits which are particularly useful that women may not know about, see the Department of Work and Pensions Benefits Website
Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit - for people who are responsible for at least one child.
Working Tax Credit - you must be working to receive this payment and it is paid if you are working 16 hours or more a week. The amount you receive will depend on your annual income.You are enttiled to recive help towards your childcare costs. The childcare person must be registered.
Visit Tax Credits Online Website for more information on both.
Social Fund
This fund provides lump sum payments, grants and loans. Loans and Community Care Grants from the Social Fund are discretionary and not for a standard amount - your savings may affect how much you get.
Community Care Grant - helps people who are getting Income Support or income based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit. They cover a wide range of personal circumstances and variety of needs and expenses. They do not have to be paid back.
Crisis loans - this is to help in an emergency or disaster. You do not have to be on benefits to receive this. An interest-free loan you do have to pay back. Available to people who are unable to pay for basic living costs and anything else which would be a serious risk to the health and safety of you or your family. The amount will depend on the circumstances, loans from the Social Fund are not for a standard amount.
Budgeting loans - this is a loan you have to pay back. To help cover the cost of furniture or household equipment, clothing/footwear. It can be used to pay rent in advance or for removal expenses for a new home or travel expenses. The loan can aid improving, maintaining or securing your home. If you have existing debts it can be used to repay them. Loans are from £100-£1500 maximum. Must be in receipt of benefits for at least 26 weeks - Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers allowance or Pension Credit.
For information on Social Fund loans & payments visit the Jobcentre Plus Website.
Disability Living Allowance
Tax free benefit for children and adults (you can receive this benefit regardless of your income). An allowance for people who have needed help for 3 months because of a severe physical or mental illness or disability and are likely to need it for at least another 6 months. Your individual circumstance may effect the amount of payment you receive.
For information on Disability Living Allowance visit the Direct Gov website.
Incapacity Benefit
Is paid if Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) has ended or you cannot get SSP. You are entitled if you have paid NI contributions, and been incapable of work because of sickness, disability for at least 4 days in a row including weekends and public holidays.
To get information on Incapacity Benefit visit the Job Centre Plus Website.
In Fenruary 2007, Jobcentre Plus introduced a series of phone numbers they would like claimants to use. For claimants with a query about a benefit they should call 0845 608 8506. For Crisis Loans call 0800 032 8352 and for other Socail Fund questions call 0845 608 8538.
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