benefits
help with rent and council tax payments
Find out how to balance your budget and maximise your income.
There is a range of benefits available for people on low income and it may not always be clear exactly what you are entitled to.
Every year a large proportion of benefits go unclaimed by people entitled to much needed extra income. This is money which could make a difference to your standard of living, so check that you are receiving your full entitlement of benefits for your situation. If you don’t know where to start, or need help or advice with benefits and what you may be entitled to, we have listed some important phone numbers and websites as a first point of contact.
Pensions and Pension Credit Payments
Make sure that you’re getting what you’re entitled to. Call the Pension Service on 0845 6060265 (Text Phone 0845 6060285).
Financial top-ups while working
Being employed does not mean an end to the benefits you are entitled to - you may be entitled to Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit or both. Contact the Kent Benefits Partnership if you want advice or help with an application, or telephone Revenue and Customs on 0845 300 3900 (Text Phone 0845 300 3909).
Financial help for disabled people
You could be entitled to Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance (depending on your age). Contact the Kent Benefits Partnership for help with an application, or telephone 0800 882200 (Text phone 0800 243355).
You can also claim online at http://www.direct.gov.uk
If you need help paying your rent or council tax, talk to your council about:
- Housing benefit - this helps people to pay their rent
- Council tax benefit - this helps people pay their council tax
Both benefits are related to savings and income. People who receive Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance or the guarantee part of Pension Credit will usually get help with all their rent and council tax.
If you need help making a claim, contact the Kent Benefits Partnership on 0845 345 0310 between 1pm and 5pm Monday to Friday. They can help you with forms and visit you in your home to collect evidence needed to support your claim.
Contact details for your council are on the useful links page.
