SOME BASIC WELFARE RIGHTS ADVICE:
If you’re visiting this site from outside of Brighton and Hove we recommend searching for services close to you: https://advicelocal.uk/
FOR LOCAL FOODBANKS PLEASE SEE: – https://bhfood.org.uk/directory-hub/accessing-emergency-food/
BRIGHTON AND HOVE COUNCIL ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT IN A NUMBER OF WAYS, FOR MORE INFO ON THIS PLEASE CLICK HERE.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL PHONE LINE IS OPEN TO PEOPLE WHO ARE DIGITALLY EXCLUDED: 01273 293117
Universal Credit Migration Notice – Migration Notices
We’re linking to Turn2Us guide on Managed Migration here –
PENSION CREDIT
Claims must be made by 21 December 2024 for people to be passported to this year’s winter fuel payment which is set to be linked to the receipt of means-tested benefits
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pension-credit-awareness-drive-as-thousands-of-eligible-pensioners-yet-to-claim–2
GAS, WATER AND ELECTRIC.
Warm Home Discount Scheme – https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Southern Water – https://www.southernwater.co.uk/account/what-if-i-can-t-pay-my-bill – and – https://www.southernwater.co.uk/customer-and-community-grants/customer-hardship-fund
BENEFIT AND TAX CREDIT RATES
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/resources/benefit-rates
UNIVERSAL CREDIT IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE
If you live in Brighton and Hove and make a new claim for any of the following;
- Child Tax Credit.
- Housing Benefit.
- Income Support.
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit.
You will likely have to claim Universal Credit instead.
Universal Credit is applied for, and managed online. An application for Universal Credit can be made here;
https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
Please note, Citizens Advice Bureau have a helpline number, for help with claiming UC – FreePhone, 0800 144 8 444.
And: https://universalcreditinfo.net/
Universal Credit Migration Notice – Migration Notices
We’re linking to Turn2Us guide on Managed Migration here –
WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
If you are not fit for work, you can hand in sick notes to the job centre. After 28 days they should send you a UC50 form (this is the equivalent of the ESA50 form for claiming ESA). After filling in the form, you will usually be called in for a face to face medical assessment. Points are scored against descriptors. The following website gives a good outline of these descriptors;
https://wcainfo.net/
See also;
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/council-tax-and-benefits/housing-benefit-council-tax-reduction-and-discretionary-help-2
Subject Access Request
Dr Surgeries are required on request to provide you with a copy of your medical records, up to the maximum admin fee of £10. This can provide invaluable support when undertaking a Work Capability Assessment.
PIP, PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT
If you have a long term disability or illness, you may be able to claim PIP. This is paid in addition to other benefits. As with ESA and UC, points are scored against descriptors for PIP. The following website gives a good outline of these descriptors;
https://pipinfo.net/
See also;
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/council-tax-and-benefits/housing-benefit-council-tax-reduction-and-discretionary-help-2
Subject Access Request
Dr Surgeries are required on request to provide you with a copy of your medical records, up to the maximum admin fee of £10. This can provide invaluable support when making a claim for PIP.
APPEALS
gov.uk have started the process of automating benefit appeals, there are links to the mandatory reconsideration process here too;
https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision
COUNCIL TAX
https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/council-tax/update/covid-19-council-tax-hardship-fund
LHA (PRIVATE SECTOR RENTAL)
LHA, Brighton – https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/benefits/housing-benefit-and-council-tax-reduction/weekly-housing-benefit-rates-private-tenants
Discretionary Housing Payments – https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/benefits/help-and-support/apply-discretionary-payment
BENEFITS CALCULATOR, AND GRANTS FINDER
OTHER LINKS
Rightsnet, Resources – https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/resources