Citizens Advice Charnwood is concerned that people with a long term physical or mental health condition or disability may be particularly at risk as fuel and food costs continue to soar. It is important that they access the help available but may be unaware of the benefits to which they are entitled or struggle to complete complicated application forms. Citizens Advice can help with this.

There are two main benefits which provide help with living costs for people who, because of their condition, have difficulty with certain everyday tasks, or with getting about. They are Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for working aged people and Attendance Allowance (AA) for people of pension age. These benefits are non means tested and can be claimed while in employment or in receipt of other benefits. They may also give access to other support. For example, people who receive Attendance Allowance may become eligible for benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. All PIP claimants and AA claimants will also receive the Disability Cost of Living Payment from September, in addition to the Energy Support grant if they have a domestic energy meter, and a one off cost of living payment if on a means tested benefit or receiving the state pension.

At Citizens Advice we can help you assess if you are eligible to apply for either PIP or AA and then assist with your application. We will go through the task descriptors on the application form and help you to put into your own words when and why you need assistance, even if you are not getting it, for example with cooking a meal, managing bills, or getting to an appointment. We can fill in the form on your behalf if you have difficulty with writing.

We can also help with the 'Capability for Work' form. This is sent to people who are claiming Universal Credit or New-Style ESA because they are unable to work due to disability or a long-term illness.

If you receive PIP or AA and someone helps with your care, they may be eligible for Carers Allowance. This benefit is paid to people who provide 35 hours or more of care each week and are not earning more than the minimum earnings threshold of £132 per week. They will also receive an additional carers element if in receipt of Universal Credit. People already receiving the State Pension, however, cannot receive the full amount of both benefits.

To find out more and to arrange an appointment with an adviser please call our Local Enquiry Line on 01509 649605. We can help with your application over the phone, or you may prefer to come into one of our offices for a face-to -face appointment. If you live in the Syston area you can make an appointment to see one of our advisers at the Syston Volunteer Centre. Ring 0116 260 7888.

Depending on your circumstances and need, we can also refer or signpost you to a range of other help and services available online or locally. These include:

• Food and fuel vouchers
• Your Store – a social supermarket based at John Storer House in Loughborough
• The Household Support Fund
• Charity grants
• Debt advice
• Help with digital skills and access to the internet.

Citizens Advice Charnwood Enquiry line on 01509 649605 is open Monday 9.00am to 3pm, Tuesday 9.30am to 12 noon and Thursday 9.30am to 3pm.

Further information about benefits, with guidance on how to apply can be found on our website at www.charnwoodcab.org.uk. Benefit information is also available on the government website www.gov.uk