Benefits

[lostguider]

Can you tell me which forum is better to use to speak about how to apply for benefits please? I am trying to assist a family member but I don't know where to begin in her circumstances.

Hello I'm unsure on a forum to suggest however this calculator would be good to start with, www.entitledto.co.uk/?

They will need to set up an online account with universal credit and call the UC phone line.
They may also need to speak to the benefits team at the council tax office - I can do mine online though too.
Citizens advice bureau can be helpful for benefits advise but it's all online if you don't mind wading through legislation etc.

Citizens advice is the best bet, it will depend on how much NI they have paid, whether they have kids, disabilities, rent or mortgage.

The MoneySavingExpert forums have a good benefits board...

forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/benefits-tax-credits

The benefitsandwork.co.uk forum if it is a health-related benefit- so PIP, ESA or Universal Credit with Disability element.

I've just signed her up for housing, how do I get her rent paid?

The Scope forum community.scope.org.uk/ is excellent for disability related benefits.

Most claims for Housing costs need to be through Universal Credit. Examples of exceptions are if you get SDP as part of ESA, Pension Credit, are in sheltered or temporary accomodation. Then it's Housing Benefit via the local council website.

She can contact her local council welfare rights dept.