Low income, savings gone - what now?

SallyJane_2

Hi everyone! Been onto my local council's website where you can find out by filling in an online form if you are entitled to council tax reduction. (You have to fill in a paper application if you decide to apply). The online form was simple and the result was that we are entitled to ... wait for it .. a reduction of 15p a week! To process an application would cost the council a damn sight more than 52 weeks of 15ps and that would filter down eventually to taxpayers like my husband. Does anyone think I should go for it?

lynzpower

Go for it! If i offered you 7.80 now for 2 seconds work you'd take it wouldnt you!

Every penny counts in being a moneysavingexpert :cool:

RAS

YEs, yes yes.

Once you have been recognised as needing one benefit, all sorts of things start to open up; reduced costs at sport facilities, reduce priced tickets for all sorts of things, access to free help with insulating your house.

Go girl.

SallyJane_2

Evening Lynz and YES, you are so right - every penny does count. If it's there and we are entitled to it then we are going to take it.

SallyJane_2

Hi Ras - yes I'm going to go for it, definitely, especially if it opens up "other doors". Never realised there was so much help out there. Thanks Ras

allan2006

i think you only get working tax credits if your working 30+ hours a week and earn less than 12000 a year ish??

You say you pay council tax, i would definately think you would get council tax benefit if you dont already claim?

Bogof_Babe

As your husband is 60, he will qualify for £200 Winter Fuel Payment this year. If he doesn't get sent the claim form automatically, he can phone and ask for it. The number should be on the Govt website somewhere, if you search under Winter Fuel Payment. It is paid in November(ish) if I remember correctly, and is not means tested.

beanielou

Hi sallyjane

What you need to do is get in touch with the DLA unit & ask them to send the forms for your dad to be able to claim DLA care.If this is awarded at middle or higher rate then you can claim carers alloowance.
Hope this helps! (HTH)

SallyJane_2

Hi allan2006. I think we will get council tax reduction, albeit a few pence a week, but RAS thinks this will open the door to other help. Thank you for your message allan.

SallyJane_2

Hi Bogof_Babe. Wow, never knew that. I have a lot to learn. Dad gets winter fuel allowance but didn't know you could get it at age 60. Thank you!