Citizens Advice Charnwood say that at a time when millions of people are struggling with the rising cost of living it's important they get the support they're entitled to.

Many benefits and discounts aren't granted automatically. Depending on what you're eligible for you'll need to apply.

For instance, up to an estimated 850,000 eligible households are not claiming Pension Credit (that means approx. £1.7 billion total is unclaimed} and it can be a really important boost for older people who are struggling with a low income. People receiving any amount of Pension Credit can also get help with other costs including rent (via Housing Benefit), council tax and heating: those over 75 qualify for a free TV licence.

If you think you, or a close friend or relative, might be entitled to Pension Credit there is a free online calculator on the gov.uk website and put - pension credit calculator into the search bar, or you can ring 0800 99 1234, or our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605.

If you are not sure whether or not you are entitled to benefits and what to claim for,
there are several online benefits calculators you can use to get you started:-

Turn to Us https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/,
Entitled to https://www.entitledto.co.uk/?e2dwp=y,
Policy in Practice https://www.betteroffcalculator.co.uk/calculator/new/step1

Or, if you prefer to talk to someone, you can get help from one of our Advisers by calling our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605.

There is also government support intended to help people with increasing energy bills and the rising cost of living generally. This support is targeted particularly on those with the greatest need

£400 to households to help with energy bills in the form of a grant which will not be recovered through higher future bills. Energy suppliers will deliver this support to households with a domestic electricity meter over six months from October. Direct debit and credit customers will have the money credited to their account, while customers with pre-payment meters will have the money applied to their meter or paid via a voucher. This is in addition to the £150 council tax rebate.

£650 this year for those on means-tested benefits. More than 8 million households on means-tested benefits will receive this payment in two instalments. This includes all households receiving the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit

You will not get a payment if you get New Style Employment and Support Allowance, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or New Style Jobseeker's Allowance, unless you get Universal Credit.

£150 Disability cost of living payment for people in receipt of certain disability benefits.

£300 as an extra payment this year will be paid to Pensioners to help with rising energy costs.

the Household Support Fund has been increased and extended.

More detailed information about the government support can be found on this website www.charnwoodcab.org.uk or you can visit www.gov.uk and put cost of living support in the search bar.
If you would prefer to talk to one of our Advisers, ring our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605.

If you need help or advice ring our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605 which is open on Mondays and Thursdays 9.30 am – 3.00pm & Tuesdays 9.30am – 12 noon (apart from bank holidays).
Up-to-date information can also be found on our website: www.charnwoodcab.org.uk