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Are you missing out on thousands of pounds in benefits? Free tools to check now
Scroll down to see a list of all the tools
BENEFITS can be worth thousands of pounds a year so it's crucial you claim everything you're entitled to.
Benefits are payments made to certain households on low incomes or to meet specific needs.
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There are dozens on offer from Universal Credit to Attendance Allowance, Tax Credits and Disability Living Allowance.
But the benefits system can be a labyrinth to navigate, even if you're financially savvy.
Luckily, there is help on offer, starting with a number of tools which tell you if you're eligible for any.
The three main ones you can use are:
Read more on Benefits
It's worth bearing in mind, the Government says you should only use the above calculators if you're on income-related benefits, contribution-based benefits, Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction and Carer's Allowance.
Income-related benefits are calculated based on a person's income and provide a minimum weekly amoun
Contribution-based benefits replace earnings when someone is unable to work due to illness, disability, or job loss.
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There is one other tool you can use to see if you're eligible for Pension Credit specifically too.
The Sun launched one in association with poverty charity Turn2Us as part of our Winter Fuel SOS campaign.
How does work affect Universal Credit?
Benefits calculators can give you an estimate of what type of benefits you could get, how much you'll get paid and how payments are affected if you start work or increase your working hours.
They can also give you an idea of how much benefit payments are impacted by your circumstances changing - for example if you have a child or move in with your partner.
Before using a calculator, make sure you've got information on your savings, income, existing benefits or pensions, outgoings such as rent or mortgages and your council tax bill to hand.
You may have to enter these to get a fair reflection of what you might be entitled to.
You can't use a benefits calculator if you're:
- in prison
- a student
- not a British or Irish citizen
- on strike
- living outside the UK
- living permanently in a residential care or nursing home
One alternative to using benefits calculators is by speaking to a local independent advice organisation like Citizens Advice or Age UK.
They will be able to signpost you to any benefits you might be eligible for and answer any questions you have, for free.
You can find your nearest centre by typing your postcode into here - //advicelocal.uk/find-an-adviser.
How to apply for benefits
How you apply for benefits depends on which one you are applying for.
Some are administered by your local council while others are paid out by HMRC or the DWP.
Here is how to apply to a few different benefits:
Universal Credit
You can apply Universal Credit online via gov.uk.
You have to create an account and then make a claim within 28 days or will have to start the process again.
If you don't have access to a computer, you can apply through the Universal Credit helpline which is on 0800 328 5644.
You'll need to have some personal details with you ahead of applying such as your bank, building society or credit union account details.
You also need something to prove your identity like a driving licence or passport.
Pension Credit
Applying for Pension Credit has never been more important after it became one of the benefits unlocking the winter fuel payment.
You can apply up to four months before reaching state pension age, currently 66, and via gov.uk.
Information you will need to hand includes your National Insurance (NI) number, and details about your income, savings and investments.
You'll also need your bank account details to hand.
If you can't claim online you can by calling the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You can claim PIP if you live in England or Wales via gov.uk although you may have to claim by phone or post.
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The phone number to call is 0800 917 2222 or the address to send a letter to is Freepost, DWP, PIP 1.
You may need to be assessed by a medical professional as part of the application process.
The Sun's Winter Fuel S.O.S Campaign
THE Sun's Winter Fuel SOS Campaign is here to support households during these challenging times.
Due to government cutbacks, ten million pensioners are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
Since opening our phone lines to thousands of pensioners in October, we remain dedicated to providing tips and advice on how to stretch your finances further.
That's why we have partnered with the poverty charity Turn2Us to launch a free benefits checker, helping you ensure that you are claiming all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Don't miss our latest Sun Money coverage, which includes essential information on key deadlines, applying for support, and everything you need to know about Pension Credit.
If you have a story to share or wish to get in touch with our team, please email us at [email protected].
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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