Benefits advice

Benefits advice

Being aware of the benefits you're entitled to and how much you can claim isn't always easy to work out. In fact, over £19 billion goes unclaimed every year.

This section of our website provides advice and guidance on benefits, including Universal Credit.

If you're unsure about the benefits you're entitled to, need help making a claim, or would like support with anything else related to benefits or other money matters, just call our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000.

We can complete a quick benefit calculation over the phone when you call. You can also tap here to learn more about our Money Advice Team and ways they can help.

If you'd like advice on other money-related matters — not just benefits — you can tap here to visit the related 'Help with money matters' section of our website.

How do I check I'm getting all the benefits I'm entitled to (including if I'm working)?

We can check you're getting the right benefits. Just give us a call.

Our benefit calculator is designed to work out all your benefits entitlement (including if you're working, changing jobs, or thinking of starting work). If you'd like us to complete a benefit calculation over the phone for you, just give our Money Advice Team a call on 01204 328000. We can advise on how changing jobs or starting a new one could affect your entitlement.

In order to complete a benefit calculation over the phone, we'll need the following information from you:

  • All income coming into your household (such as earnings, benefits, pensions, and any other income).
  • Family income (anyone over the age of 18 at your address).
  • Any child maintenance payments you receive.
  • If applicable, your current working hours and gross pay (before tax).

Please provide us with up-to-date and correct information so we're able to complete an accurate benefit calculation.

You can also use an online benefits calculator:

You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to. Just tap here for more information about online benefits calculators on the gov.uk website.

Can I get help to complete my application/claim for benefits?

Of course.

If you'd like any help completing a benefit application, please don't hesitate to contact our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000. We can even check forms before you submit them and advise you if any important information is missing.

You can also tap here to learn more about our Money Advice Team and ways they can help.

Why are applications for benefits sometimes rejected?

If your benefit claim is refused and you feel the decision was wrong, you can appeal against it. Most appeals should be made within one month of the date on the decision letter.

You can appeal against many decisions made by the Department for Work and Pensions, local council, or HM Revenue and Customs.

We can review your application and advise whether you have grounds to appeal. If you do, we can assist you in lodging the appeal and gathering the evidence needed to support it. Just contact our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000 if you need help.