Resources to help with the cost of living this winter

It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are missing out on Pension Credit, and
it is worth, on average, £3,900 per year. As well as access to Winter Fuel Payments
it also provides additional benefits such as reductions in electricity bills, a free TV
licence for those over 75, and help with housing costs through Housing Benefit.
Those in receipt of Pension Credit will also be eligible for locally-administered
Council Tax Reduction.

It is absolutely vital that everyone is claiming the money that they are entitled too. It only takes a few minutes to check.

The Turn2us benefit calculator is an excellent resource to check your benefit eligibility.

Check to see if you are owed any payments at https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/survey/ or by calling the Pension Service Helpline on 0800 99 1234.

There are plenty of other benefits available that may not be apparent to those eligible to claim.

Many people undertake caring duties for friends, family, or a loved one without considering themselves as a ‘carer’. But if they would find it difficult to manage without your support, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, and unlike some other benefits,any savings you may have will not make a difference to your claim.

You can check your eligibility using the Turn2us benefit calculator, or over the phone by calling the free Carer’s Allowance Helpline on 0800 731 0297. 

I know many constituents earn slightly above the threshold for benefits but are still struggling with the cost of living. If you are in this situation, I urge you to make an application for the the Household Support Fund; a non-repayable grant to help people living in Sheffield with essential household costs, funded by the UK Government.

You can apply to the fund online at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/cost-of-living/apply-household-support-fund or by calling 0114 273 4567.