If you are on a low income, for example if your working hours have been reduced, you may be entitled to a wide range of help. This might entail ensuring that you are paid a living wage or it could take the form of help with extra bills and a top up to your income.
The national minimum wage (adult rate £5.73 an hour), along with Working Tax Credit and other benefits, provides a guaranteed income of at least £292 a week for families with one child and one full-time worker, which is equivalent to well over £7.38 an hour.
Visit the employment section of Directgov or telephone 0845 6000 678.
If you are on a low income and either you are disabled, have a child under five or have an older disabled child, you may be entitled to Cold Weather Payments when temperatures are low. You don't need to apply. You'll get the payment as long as you qualify.
A new package of support means that all households can save money on energy bills. This includes help with loft and cavity wall insulation and a range of energy-saving devices. In addition, pensioners and low-income households may also be eligible for free energy-saving improvements to their homes, such as insulation, and other support.
For more information go to the ACT ON CO2 website or contact the ACT ON CO2 advice line on 0800 512 012.
For those looking to reduce their energy bills, The Energy Saving Trust has established a network of advice centres across the UK, providing practical advice on CO2 reduction and energy efficiency. The centres provide advice and information on what people should do and practical support to carry it through. And the good thing is the advice is free. To contact your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre call 0800 512 012 or visit the web site.
For details of a comprehensive range of help visit the money, tax and benefits section of the Directgov web site or contact your local council’s revenue and benefits section - again, the Directgov web site will provide you with the contact details.
If you are responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but earn low wages, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit.
Child Tax Credit is a regular payment made to support families with children, including those with 16 to 19 year olds still in full-time education or approved training. Extra money is available if any of your children is disabled. The amount you receive is based on your income and you can receive help whether or not you are in work. If you work more than 16 hours a week, you could get Working Tax Credit as well.
If you don’t have children, you may also be eligible for Working Tax Credit if you are over 25 and working more than 30 hours a week.
If your circumstances change, for example your income falls, you may be entitled to more help.
For more information about tax credits call the helpline on 0845 300 3900 or visit the Directgov tax credits website.
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