Retired+widdow but NO help with tax or benefits

gazwroe

Hello Forum.
I have today been helping out my 69 yr old mum with a budget as she's finding herself short at the moment.
Having listed all of her debits, I need to go through the various bills and check she is on the best deals for her (monthly DDs etc :money:) but I was surprised that there seems to be absolutely no help with her on credits or allowances.

She of course has the winter fuel allowance but nothing more. Her state pension is ~£580 per month (she said something about paying 'full stamp') and has 2 widows pensions of about £100 total per month.

I would though have thought that at this amount per month, there was other state aids/allowances open to her?

So, I guess my questions are; does anyone have an ideas what should be available or any advise on who to speak to to get some specific advise (IFE,CAB etc) and help with the applications.

Thank you all in advance.
GR

MrsManda

Has she put her details into the online benefits calculators on direct.gov.uk and entitledto.com? If not it's a good place to start

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/ba/lp?_piref278_36249_278_36248_36248.__ora_navig=

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

Though over £600 for just one person to live on is quite a lot.
It may also be useful to look at direct.gov.uk and AgeUK:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Benefits/index.htm

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

zagfles

Sounds like her income is too high for pension credit, unless she's paying a mortgage.

If she's renting she'd probably be entitled to housing benefit/LHA. Also whether renting or not she might get some council tax benefit. Check the entitledto website