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Benefits and Entitlements
Benefits & Entitlements
Most benefits are dealt with by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Help with housing costs is provided by your local authority.
Welfare Benefits
Hanover’s estate managers can advise on the range of benefits available and check on potential entitlement for residents and applicants viewing properties.
A computer calculation will show how much of each benefit you might be entitled to. It is helpful when considering making a claim, either for the first time or re-applying for more help if you currently receive some benefit. (The accuracy of the calculation depends on the information provided, such as income and savings, and is always given as an estimate of help available.)
The estate manager can also help with obtaining the forms and assist in completing them, if necessary.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit is paid to people on low incomes to help them pay rent for their home. Council Tax Benefit gives similar help towards paying council tax. To work out your entitlement, the Council will need to look at your income and savings.
If you are having problems with your claim, you can seek advice from a housing aid centre, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, or other local advice centre.
Pensions and Pension Credit
The Pension Service provides advice on pensions and entitlement to Pension Credit.
To apply for your retirement pension, contact the Pension Service by telephone Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm on 0845 6060265. For speech or hearing difficulties, a text phone service is available on 0845 6060285.
Pension Credit is a benefit intended to give people aged 60 or over a minimum guaranteed level of income. It also rewards those who have saved towards their retirement.
You can apply via the DWP website or telephone Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm on 0800 991234; or text phone on 0800 1690133.
Disability Benefits
The DWP provides benefits and services for people who are sick, or have a physical or mental disability; as well as carers’ allowances.
Entitlement to all disability or carer benefits depends upon individual circumstances and you are recommended to contact your local benefits office or the DWP.
For more information visit the DWP Disabled People & Carers website; also:
Winter Fuel Payments
These are annual payments to help people aged 60 or over with costs of keeping warm in winter.
For further information, call the helpline on 08459 151515 or 0845 6015613 for text phone users, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (charged at local rates).
Television Licence Concessions
A television licence is free to people aged 75 or over for their main home. Concessions are available for people who are registered blind.
A concessionary licence is available on some Hanover estates for retired or disabled people aged 60 or over. To apply, please contact TV Licensing on 0844 8006779 or visit the TV Licensing website.
