Benefits - income maximisation

If you need support to make sure you claim the benefits you are entitled to, the following services and organisations might be able to assist you.

Remember - if you are struggling, you are not alone and there is no shame in asking for help. Everyone needs a little bit of extra support at some point in their lives.

If you're struggling financially, make sure you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to. Citizens Advice has a useful benefits calculator so you can check what you're entitled to. It's free to use, and the details you provide are anonymous.

You can also use the government's online tool to find out what support you might be able to get to help with your living costs.

All benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account.

Budgeting and saving money

Citizens Advice has an online budgeting tool to help you understand what you're spending money on and where you might be able to cut costs.

Money Helper has guidance on how to get started with saving.

Money Saving Expert also has lots of advice and tips related to income and budgeting.

Benefits in later life

If you're around or above retirement age, there are a number of benefits you might be able to claim.

On top of your State Pension, which is based on your National Insurance contributions, you might be entitled to extra money to help with your heating in winter, free transport passes and other benefits.

Children and families

If your child attends school or sixth form, and you receive certain benefits you may be entitled to claim free school meals.

Housing benefits

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits.

If you're a tenant, the Universal Credit housing costs element can help towards the cost of your rent and some service charges.

If you're a homeowner, you can't get the housing costs element to help with mortgage payments. But you might be able to get help from the government to pay the interest on your mortgage, known as Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).

Carers, disabilities, and remaining independent

As a carer, you may be entitled to one or more state benefits to help you with the costs. As a carer in Plymouth, you may be eligible for exclusive discounts and benefits. It's our way of saying thank you for the amazing work you do.

You might be able to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you need extra help because of an illness, disability, or mental health condition. You can make a PIP claim whether or not you get help from anyone.

There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions.

When someone with special educational needs and/or a disability turns 16, 17, 18, or 19 they become entitled to their own benefits and support.

What to do if your benefits are cut

If you're getting benefits and something changes in your life, it might mean the amount you have to live on goes down. This can put pressure on your household budget and worry about debts. Find out what you can do by reading the guide on the Money Helper website.

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice Plymouth (CAB) helps people to resolve their problems. We can help with any issue, from anyone, spanning debt and employment to consumer and housing, plus everything in between.

Phone 0808 278 7910

Website citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk

Facebook facebook.com/citizensadviceplymouth/

Address Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, PL1 2DA

Plymouth Focus Advice Centre

The Plymouth Focus Advice Centre provides free, independent, and confidential advice and support with budgeting, debt, housing, and benefits, grant applications, and welfare benefits.

Phone 01752 669785

Website plymouthfocus.co.uk

Plymouth Job Centres

Plymouth has two job centres, one located in the city centre on Exeter Street and one on St Levan Road, which is in Devonport.

Phone 0800 169 0190

Email contact-.dwp1@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Website find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/

Address 64 Exeter Street, PL4 0AJ or Queens House, St Levan Road, PL2 3BD

Money Helper

Open to everyone, MoneyHelper is helping people to clear their debts, reduce spending, and make the most of their income. To help loved ones, plan ahead for major purchases, find out about entitlements, build up savings and pensions, and know their options. The free, impartial help is backed by the government.

Website moneyhelper.org.uk

Facebook facebook.com/MoneyHelperUK

Further help and support

Benefits - GOV.UK

Find out what benefits and financial support you may be able to get

Use the government's online tool to find out what support you might be able to get to help with your living costs. You can get benefits and other financial support if you're eligible.

Check what benefits and financial support you can get

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How to submit an organisation or community group to this website

If you are an organisation or community group and can help support people living in Plymouth, please complete our online form, and we will add you to this directory.

Submit your offer of help and support