Money Advice

Are you missing out on unclaimed benefits?

It has been widely reported that a few benefits are underclaimed. DWP is urging pensioners to check for pension credit, whilst Social Security Scotland encourages parents with children under 16 to check for entitlement to Scottish Child Payment. There are also some issues around unclaimed disability benefits.

PensionCredit

If you are of pensionable age, you may be entitled to Pension Credit to top up your income depending on your circumstances. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.

• On top of the standard Pension Credit rate, you might get extra help if you’re a carer, disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

• Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.

• You can claim Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

An award of Pension Credit, no matter how small, is a stepping stone to other help like TV licence, NHS costs dentist, optician, full Housing Benefit, Warm Home Discount etc.

If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria for one of the benefits listed, or if you would like some more information from the team, please complete the form on My Home or phone 01292 880120.

Scottish Child Payment

You may be able to get Scottish Child Payment of £25 per week per child, if all of the following apply:

• You live in Scotland.

• You or your partner are claiming certain benefitsUniversal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income based JSA, Income Based ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit.

• You or your partner are the main person looking after a child who's under 16 years old.

The main person looking after your child (if any) might want to complete the application form, or use their bank details for payment.

Child Disability Payment / Adult Disability Payment / Attendance Allowance

If you or a household member have a disability you may be entitled to additional help. These claims are different depending on what age you are and can often lead to other entitlements. This group of benefits is not means tested.

There’s still time to enter our pet and garden competitions. We have a top prize of a £50 voucher for both competitions as well as £25 vouchers for the runners up.

Is your garden or window box in full bloom? We’d love to see the results of your hard work. Head to the My Home site and follow the link to upload your photo/s. You can also email info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk or speak with your housing officer. Categories are: private garden, shared garden and window box.

Entries are also open for our ever popular pet competition. If you think your pet deserves to win a prize, head to My Home and upload a photo or email our resident PurR guru ruby@ayrshirehousing.org.uk Categories are: dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and other. Please note we can only accept one pet per household.

Remember to get your entries in by Friday 4 August. We’ll announce the winners at our AGM on Wednesday 6 September.