Are you getting the right benefits and payments?

It’s important to make sure you are claiming all the benefits you can and accessing government funding. Even if you do not receive benefits, or you are already getting benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, there may be extra money you can get. This page will help you make sure you’re getting the right benefits and payments.

Benefit calculators

Check you are getting exactly what you are entitled to with the Better Off calculator.

You can also find other benefit calculators on GOV.UK.

Help paying your council tax and rent

You might be able to get a reduction of your council tax or help to pay your rent.

See if you’re eligible and apply:

• Apply for a council tax discount or exemption
• Apply for council tax support

If you pay rent to live in your home and have a low income, you may be able to get help by claiming housing benefit:

• Find out if you are eligible to claim.
• Apply for housing benefit.

Help with childcare costs

Everything from nursery provision and child minders to school uniform and free school meals. Find out what support is available for parents and caregivers

Childcare support if you get Universal Credit – The maximum amounts you can get towards childcare costs with Universal Credit is £950.92 a month for one child and £1630.15 a month for two or more children. If you are starting work, you may be able to get help with your first month’s childcare costs through the Flexible Support Fund, and you can now claim that money back in your next Universal Credit payment, to help pay for your childcare costs for the next month. Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to see what help you could get with childcare costs.

Pension credit

Are you over state pension age? Do you know someone who is?

The government estimates that up to 1 million pensioner households may be entitled to Pension Credit, but don’t claim it. Some pensioners think because they’ve got savings or own their home they would not get any Pension Credit. You might also be able to get support with other living costs such as council tax, heating bills or your TV licence.

• Check if you, or someone you know is eligible.

No recourse to public funds?

If you have no recourse to public funds, (this might be because you are in the UK on a study visa or you are an asylum seeker) you won’t be able to claim benefits.

• Check to see if you can claim benefits
• Visit Portsmouth City of Sanctuary to find more information

Help to claim your benefit entitlements

Claiming a benefit can seem complicated and confusing but you can get help filling in forms and checking eligibility.

• Contact Citizens Advice to check whether you should apply for Universal Credit and for help to apply – call 0800 144 8 444 or chat with them online. Customers who use British Sign Language can get advice using a BSL interpreter, available Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
• Contact Advice Portsmouth if you need help applying for a different benefit or filling in a form, such as Personal Independence Payments, or Attendance Allowance – call 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email advice.portsmouth@theyoutrust.org.uk
• If you are a Portsmouth City Council tenant you can get advice on claiming benefits from your housing officer