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Many people in the UK are having to get by on low incomes and it can be a real struggle. However, there are certain government benefits that can help people in such situations, supplementing their income to help them support themselves and their dependents. income support: if you only work part-time (under 16 hours a week) or are on a low full-time income, you may qualify for a means-tested benefit called income support. Means-tested means that various different elements regarding your personal situation will be analysed to establish whether or not you are in need of this benefit. These include how much you have in savings (which must be less than £16,000), what your total household income is, whether you have any children or other dependents such as disabled, ill or elderly relatives to care for. If you qualify, you’ll get an NHS exemption certificate allowing you to obtain free dentist treatment and prescriptions. You’ll also get relief on local authority tax and rent. As with many other government benefits, you’ll have to attend a meeting in person at a jobcentre to have your application reviewed. (However, you can make the initial application online if this is more convenient for you.) tax relief - working tax credit: this benefit, managed by the Inland Revenue, is for people with families (children under 18) to support, and to qualify you must have a working week of over 16 hours. It’s also possible to obtain this benefit if you don’t have children but work full-time with a low income. Again, it’s means-tested, and factors such as your household income, the number of dependants you have and any other government support you receive will be factored into the equation to determine your eligibility. You’ll receive the money directly into your bank account, so there’s no need to collect it separately. local authority tax benefit: there are various types of relief on council tax payment, depending on your circumstances. You could receive full exemption if you’re in a low-paid job and have savings of under £16,000. There are also other part-reductions such as a second adult rebate if you live with another adult (not a partner) who is exempt from council tax payments or is in a low-paid job or unemployed and receiving benefit such as jobseeker allowance or income support. You can also apply for a reduction or exemption from council tax payment if you are on either of these benefits yourself. housing benefit: you don’t need to live in a council-owned property to get help paying your rent. As long as you’re in a low-paid job and have under the maximum savings limit of £16,000, you will qualify. (However, this benefit isn’t available to students in full-time education or people living with close family.) Council tenants will have their benefit paid directly into their council rent accounts. Tenants of private properties will have money deposited into their bank account or will be sent a cheque. If you are living in a privately rented property, the council will want to come and inspect it to ensure that the rental amount you are paying is appropriate for the type, size and condition of the property and that the property is appropriate for your needs. This article is copyright protected and is not for republishing |
