In the past few years there have been substantial changes to disability benefits and support available. Below is a helpful bank of information, where you can find out what you may be entitled to claim, the amounts you can receive and how to apply for each.

• • Working age – 18+
    • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
    • Television Licence Discount
    • University Student
  • Retirement age – 65+
    • Attendance Allowance (AA)
    • Television Licence
  • Benefits for carers
  • Carer’s Allowance (CA)
  • Carer’s Assessment
    
  • Other sources of financial help
  • Council tax discount
  • Housing benefit
  • Disabled facilities grant
  • Blue badges
  • Motability
  • Water Sure
  • Warm Home Discount Scheme

Working Age 18+

Universal Credit Disability Allowances

Previously, Employment and Support Allowance was a separate benefit you could claim for short-term or long-term disability. With the national rollout of Universal Credit, most ESA claims now form part of a UC claim instead.

ESA is paid every two weeks instead of every four weeks for Universal Credit, and is not means-tested (which means it is not linked to your income). If you apply for ESA and Universal Credit, your ESA counts as income so your ESA payment will reduce your Universal Credit payment.

ESA counts towards your Class 1 National Insurance payments, which entitles you to other benefits. Universal Credit only counts as Class 3 NI, which means it only contributes credits towards your State Pension.

You might also be better suited to not claiming ESA and instead applying to be in the Low Capability for Work and Work Related Activity group on Universal Credit, if you have a long-term health condition that prevents you from working. This entitles you to more Universal Credit.

New applicants of UC can apply here: visit the government web page.

During your application you’ll need to provide the following information:

1. National Insurance number.
2. Medical certificate from your GP or doctor.
3. Your GP’s office address and telephone number.
4. A contact telephone number.
5. Up to date mortgage or landlord details if applicable.
6. A recent council tax bill.
7. Your last employer’s address and telephone number, with your start and end dates of employment.
8. Bank or building society account number and sort code.
9. Details of any other income you currently receive.
10. Details of your savings.

Once you have officially registered your claim, you’ll then be asked to complete a short claim form so that it can be properly assessed. You may also be invited to a face-to-face Work Capability Assessment.

The decision maker will then write to you to confirm if application is successful and, if so, whether you have been placed in the Work-Related Activity or Support Group. There is also an appeal process in place. This is if your application is rejected and you’d like to challenge that decision.

How much?

How much you receive will depend on your personal circumstances, such as your other income and how much you have in your savings.

There are different standard amounts depending on your age and whether you live with your partner. If you live with your partner, their income is considered in your claim and you must make a joint claim (even if your partner is not seeking benefits).

ESA Payments

For the first 13 weeks (the assessment period), you will receive either £70.70 a week if you are under 25 years old, or £90.50 if you’re over 25. This increases to £90.50 if you’re in a work-related activity group (which means you should be looking for suitable work), or £138.20 if you are in the support group (which means you don’t have to look for work). You can only take on permitted work for a limited number of hours each week.

Universal Credit Payments

Paid monthly, Universal Credit has different age and circumstance brackets.

Under 25 and single: £311.68 per month

Under 25 living with your partner: £489.23 for you both (if they are not low income, your amount may be reduced or you might be ineligible to claim)

Over 25 and single: £393.45 a month

Over 25 and living with your partner: £617.70

You might get additional housing allowances to help with rent, and extra allowances for having children.

Your disability element is on top of the figures above. If your Work Capability Assessment puts you in a group with Limited Work Related Activity, your amount is an extra £416.19 a month. So, let’s say you’re single, over 25, and it’s decided you don’t need to look for work due to your disability, the minimum you would receive each month is £809.64 before any housing or child allowances.

You are not limited for working while claiming Universal Credit and the disability allowance, but when you earn over a certain limit, you lose 45p for every £1 you receive from work.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independent Payment replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for all new applicants aged 16 to 64. PIP recognises that disabled people incur extra costs in their daily lives. This can influence how much you may recieve.

To make a new claim telephone 0800 917 2222.

You’ll need to provide the following details in order to make your claim:

1. Contact telephone number
2. Date of birth
3. National Insurance number
4. Bank or building society account number and sort code
5. Your GP’s name and contact details, plus those of any other doctor or health worker whose care you are under
6. If applicable, dates and addresses of any time you’ve spent in hospital, in a care home or abroad.

The DWP will then post a long ‘How your disability affects you’ form to fill in. The questions take the following into account: your mental health, learning disabilities and physical impairments. If you need help filling out the form, ask your carer, friend, or contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Once the DWP has received your form, an independent health professional may invite you to a face-to-face meeting, either at an assessment centre or your home. You’ll be asked about your ability to carry out daily activities and how your condition affects your life in general.

The representative will then write to you to inform you if you have been successful or not. They will also confirm the level of benefit you are entitled to receive. However, if you are rejected do not agree with the decision: you can enter the appeal process.

How much?

There are two parts to PIP: mobility rate and daily living. Qualifying for one does not automatically qualify you for the other. Both parts have a higher and lower rate, and which one you receive depends on your assessment outcome.

Mobility lower rate is £72.65 a week and higher rate is £108.55 a week.

Daily Living lower rate is £28.70 a week and higher rate is £75.75 a week.

Television Licence Discount

People in the UK who suffer from a visual impairment or blindness can apply for a 50% discount on their television licence. This usually costs £169.50 but with the discount it is £84.75.

Remember, this is for the whole household to benefit from. So if you live with someone who is blind and they are not aware of this, then they should consider applying.

If the licence holder is over 75 years old, regardless of whether they have a disability, and they receive Pension Credit, a TV Licence is free.

Full details are here.

This podcast explains the process in audio.

University Students

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is available for full and part-time students at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It’s designed to cover some of the additional costs that students who have mental health problems, long term illnesses and other disabilities may incur.

Examples include covering the cost of specialist equipment, and non-specialist equipment, non-medical helpers and travel costs. What it doesn’t cover is day-to-day costs every student has, such as groceries and rent.

The rate you receive will depend upon an assessment of your needs. Your university will have their own way of doing things, however it never hurts to inquire and find out for certain.

To apply:

• England apply via  Student Finance England
• Scotland apply via Student Awards Agency Scotland
• Wales apply via Student Finance Wales
• Northern Ireland apply via Student Finance Northern Ireland

If you are training for a medical degree such as nursing or as a GP, you can apply for NHS Disabled Student Allowance as an additional payment with your bursary.

Retirement Age 65 +

Attendance Allowance (AA)

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over the age of 65 which is intended for those who have from severe health problems. They may require someone to stop by regularly and help them with their daily tasks, helping to look after them in any way that may be beneficial. However, you do not need to be using or employing a carer to apply.

There are two rates, lower and higher, depending on the level of help needed. AA is not means tested.

To claim telephone 0800 731 0122.

How much?

For the 2024/25 tax year the weekly rates are:

• Lower rate: £72.65
• Higher rate: £108.55

And you may also be able to receive other benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit to help further.

Benefits for Carers

Carer’s Allowance (CA)

People over 16 living in England, Wales or Scotland who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance. This is if the person they care for also receives:

• A daily living component of PIP
• The middle or highest care rate of DLA
• Attendance Allowance.

To claim, fill in the online form. You’ll need the date of birth, name and address, national insurance number (if they’re over 16) and DLA reference number (if they’re under 16) of the person you’re caring for.

You’ll also need your own NI number, bank or building society account number and sort code, P45 or current employment details.

In Northern Ireland the rules are slightly different.

If you are not eligible for CA, then you may be entitled to Carer’s Credit instead. This is a national insurance credit for those caring for someone for at least 20 hours per week. For information, read here.

How much?

For the 2024/25 tax year the weekly rate for Carer’s Allowance is £81.90.

Carer’s Assessment

It’s important that the needs of the carer are not overlooked. After all, they need to be fit and healthy in order to function effectively as a carer. Carers are entitled to a free Carer’s Assessment from their local authority.

This assessment will review your situation and ascertain what practical support you may be entitled to. It’s important that you are honest about the impact that your role as a carer has on your life, health and ability to work.

To arrange a carer’s assessment, contact your local council’s adult social services department. Carer’s UK has useful factsheet on how the process differs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Other Sources of Financial Help

Council Tax Discount

If you have a disability, your local council will tell you if you are eligible for a council tax discount. People who are severely mentally impaired; who have a live-in carer who isn’t their partner, spouse or child, aren’t included when working out a council tax payment.

Those who live in a larger property because to their disability needs, and require the extra space for use of a wheelchair or an extra bathroom/kitchen, may also be eligible for a discount.

You are responsible for applying to your council for the discount. To find your local council’s website type in your postcode on this Government web page.

Housing Benefit

People who are on a low income can apply for Housing Benefit to help with their housing costs. Couples of working age living in social housing who cannot share a bedroom for health reasons, and disabled people who require an extra bedroom for overnight care, may not have to pay the spare room subsidy. This is commonly known as the bedroom tax.

To see if you’re eligible and to apply go here.

Disabled Facilities Grants

Local councils can grant money for disabled people who need make changes in their home. This can help to make their living arrangements easier for them. Services such as widening doors for wheelchair access, installing a stair lift and ramps are all things that are included.

Contact your local council for eligibility information and how to apply.

Blue Badges

Blue parking badges are available for qualifying disabled people. They allow holders to park in marked disabled spaces without charge (or at a reduced fee) in most pay-and-display car parks. They also allow holders to park on single and double yellow lines for up to three hours, so you can park closer to a venue (but you can’t block traffic or cause a danger with your choice of parking position). The badge is for you and the car you’re travelling in – so it can be used for any car instead of being registered to a single one. You can’t give your badge to anybody else, the exception being if they are coming to pick you up or drop you off at the location.

Historically, only people with difficulty walking have been eligible for a blue badges. However, the government recently extended this to people with mental health conditions too. Conditions such as dementia and autism may also be covered.

England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have different ways to apply. See here.

Motability

Disabled people who receive the highest level of PIP’s mobility component are automatically entitled to apply to Motability. This is a scheme which enables customers to lease cars, scooters, powered wheelchairs and wheelchair accessible vehicles at a lower cost.

For further information and how to apply visit their site.

Water Sure

If you have a condition that requires a heavy use of water, such as a serious skin condition or extra laundry due to incontinence, you could apply to your water supplier through the Water Sure scheme for a discount. If you live with a large number of school age children, you could also be eligible even if your medical conditions don’t use extra water.

Find out more here.

Warm Home Discount

People on a low income or certain disability benefits qualify for the Warm Home Discount. This is an extra payment on your energy bill of £150 during winter, to make sure you can afford your heating and energy bills.

Each supplier has their own criteria; however all suppliers must accept certain people onto their scheme. Find out more about how to get the warm home discount here.

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The post Disability Benefits: What You’re Entitled To appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Carers may look after people with disabilities, older people, or those with mental difficulties. They range in age from school age carers through to elderly spouses looking after their loved ones. The emotional toll of continuous care for someone you love is hard – and it often means carers forget to look after themselves mentally, physically, and financially.

If you’re a carer, make sure you’re claiming all the financial support you can. Keep reading to find out whether you’re eligible for benefits, grants, or extra help.

• Benefits for carers
• Home help for carers
• Apply for disabled adaptation grants
• Blue Badge discounts
• Carer holidays
• Emotional support for carers
• More tips

State Benefits for Carers

You could be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, if you look after someone for 35 hours a week or more.

To qualify, the person you care for must receive certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (daily living component), Disability Living Allowance (mid or upper allowance), Attendance Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Allowance.

Currently, Carer’s Allowance is £76.75 week. If you’re on a low income (which is likely for many eligible carers, as 35 hours a week of care is full-time), you can apply for Universal Credit, too. This may help towards your housing costs, and entitles you to apply for a Council Tax discount, too.

You’ll get National Insurance credits for each week you claim Carer’s Allowance, or Pension Credit if you’re older.

When you’re on a low income, as most carers are, you also qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme. This is £150 paid directly to your electricity bill during winter, to help you with the costs of heating.

Home Help for Carers

Your local authority is there to help you. As well as the state benefits available to carers, look into what your local council offers, too.

You’ll need to have a Carer’s Assessment. This is where the council assesses the level of care you provide someone else – and what you need to do that well. You could be offered respite care, support from home visits or a befriending service, and – crucially – extra financial support.

This support comes in different forms. Often, it’s designed to help you manage your caring duties more easily – such as providing equipment for the person you care for, like a bed hoist, to help you manage. Sometimes, you’ll receive a personal budget, to help with your duties. For example, if you don’t drive but regularly need to take a taxi in the line of your caring role (such as getting to and from a supermarket), a budget could be provided for this.

Carers are the unsung heroes of society. The level of financial support is very little (Carer’s Allowance is lower than weekly Jobseeker’s Allowance, for example). So, when it’s time for your Carer’s Assessment, be as honest about the impact of your caring role on your own finances. By caring for your loved one, you’ve significantly reduced the burden on the local authority’s expenditure already – so asking for financial support is perfectly acceptable!

Apply for disabled adaptation grants

OK, this one is for the person you care for, rather than you – but it’ll significantly help you, too. For example, if your loved one could turn a downstairs bathroom into a walk-in wet room, they might be able to regain some independence. This helps reduce the stress on your caring role, and gives them a sense of independent living. Even if you still need to help with bathing, it’s much easier to do this in a wet room than a typical bathroom.

Your local council will assess the needs of the person you care for and provide a budget for the work required. This is called a Disabled Facilities Grant, and is paid to the person you care for.

Get Blue Badge Discounts

The person you care for could qualify for a Blue Badge. That means that, whenever you’re driving with them, you can use the badge to park in disabled spaces or other areas so they don’t have to walk so far to their destination.

But did you know that a Blue Badge also entitles them to many other discounts? To start with, if you drive their car (when they’re with you) in London, you’re entitled to a discounted Congestion Charge fee.

You could also use their badge to prove that you’re their carer in other situations. For example, if you want to take them to the theatre, many venues offer a free Carer’s Ticket (often alongside a discounted ticket for the Blue Badge holder, too). You could even get into theme parks for free!

Again, these discounts rely on the fact you’re with the person you’re caring for – but if you can take them out and about, it’s a great way to make sure you have fun together even when you’re both on a low income.

Apply for Rail Discounts

If you travel frequently with the person you care for by train, you can apply for a discounted rail card. This gives you both one third off rail ticket prices, including peak times.

Other discounts

If you’re claiming Carer’s Allowance, and especially if you also claim Universal Credit, you’ll find there are all sorts of low-income discounts available to you.

Some colleges, for example, offer half-price courses for those who can prove a low income. You’ll also be able to claim cheaper rates at the dentist, if you don’t have any other source of income than state benefits. Many gyms, too, offer concessionary rates for those in receipt of state benefits.

If you have school age children, you can apply for additional discounts such as free school meals and discounted school uniforms. Those with children under the age of 4 could qualify for Healthy Start food vouchers, to help buy necessities such as milk. All of this will help reduce the impact of your caring role on your finances.

Find grants

There are lots of small charities out there willing to help carers fund certain things to take the financial pressure off providing care on a regular basis.
For example, if your fridge is on the blink, you could get a small grant to pay for a new one. Use the Turn2Us Grants Checker to find out which grants could help you.

Carer Holidays

You need a break every now and then! Many charities that support carers offer holidays at a discounted rate (or for free). This could be a break just for you to get away, if you can arrange care for your loved one in the interim (or sometimes they’ll provide the care, too). Or, it could be a holiday for you both to take together!

Lots of holidays for disabled people and their carers use specially-adapted accommodation to make it easy for you to get away for a few days. There’s often lots to do on these holidays, too, helping take the load off you a little.

You could also look into day services in your local area, to give you a little respite from your caring role. These services help get the person you care for out and about, socialising, and engaged in fun activities. It gives you a few hours in the week to put your feet up, have a bath, and relax – or simply get on with your own chores that have piled up!

Find carers support groups

You’re no good to helping anyone if you burn yourself out in the process! Get in touch with groups such as Care UK to find local services in your area. Many offer carer groups, allowing you to meet with other carers, and share your hopes, fears, and experiences over a cup of tea (and usually cake, too!).

Emotional support is important for your health AND your finances. That’s because when you’re on a low income, debt often looms on the horizon. If you’re stressed out and not focused on yourself, it’s easy to let small debts get out of control – with something as simple as a forgotten credit card statement.

If you don’t want to meet people in person, there are telephone lines you can try, too.

• Carers UK is available on 0808 0800 7777 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. You can also email them at advice@carersuk.org for help.
• Age UK can be called on 0800 678 1602 from 8am to 7pm, every day of the year. They also have over 140 local branches you can pop into for help, too.
• Carers Direct is run by the NHS. You can use the web form to get in touch, or call 0300 123 1053 between 9am to 8pm on weekdays and 11am to 4pm at the weekend.
• Family Action offers support to parents and carers for children. Call the FamilyLine between 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, on 0808 802 6666. If it’s not easy to talk, text instead on 07537 404 282. You can also email them for advice at familyline@family-action.org.uk. If it’s a real crisis and out of hours, text FAMILYACTION to 85258.

Remember, you can hop on over to our Magpie Messageboards to talk to other people about your worries, experiences, and financial questions!

Read more

Looking after yourself – and your financial wellbeing – is so important when you’re caring for someone else, too. Read these find out how to make money in your spare time, even while you’re asleep!

• How to make and sell online courses for passive income
• Earn hundreds in your spare time
• Work part-time and casual jobs
• 44 ways to make extra money
• Make money sleeping

The post Financial Help for Carers appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Welcome to Ask Jasmine, the column where I round up some of the questions I have received from readers. In this edition, I answer questions about eye tests and dental care, and even get a reader tip!

I hope these answers can help you with any questions you may have. Don’t forget to leave any questions or money saving tips you have in the comments below or email me on askjasmine@moneymagpie.com.

• Help with my opticians
• I can’t afford my dental care
• Nectar card reader tip

Help with my opticians

Dear Jasmine, 

I want to follow your advice from your column in the Daily Mail but opticians refuse to give me my pupil distance. So, although I have my prescription, without the pupil measurement I cannot shop around. 

Can you tell me how to get around this problem? 

Best wishes. 

– 

Although I am not an expert on this subject, I did have a look at the NHS website and came across below; 

Why does the optician not give me my pupillary distance? 

Your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist is not required by law to include details of the horizontal distance between your pupils (the inter-pupillary distance) in your prescription. 

The responsibility for ensuring the lenses are properly centred in your frames lies with the person fitting your glasses (dispensing optician), and they’ll have to do all the measuring. 

Any provider of glasses, whether shop- or internet-based, should have arrangements in place to be able to satisfy this requirement. 

Specsavers have a page on their website that give the option of measuring you PD online (you would need to allow access to the camera on your your device). If you are not comfortable with that, scroll further down the page it give instructions on how you or a friend can measure your PD.  

Please see the link here. 

I hope this helps  

I can’t afford my dental care

Dear Jasmine,  

After reading your excellent article in Saturdays Mail, I was wondering if you can help with an investigation into dental treatment? I’m a 77-year-old lady who has always taken care of my teeth. I recently moved home to be near my family, from Yorkshire to Bracknell Berks. I can only find private Dentists.  

My check-up was £50, paid in advance, and my filling was £130. The small crown I need will cost £650 plus the dental mechanics fee for advice on what sort of crown I need. My small denture with two teeth will cost me £1,500. I simply do NOT have the money. 

In Yorkshire, my dentist accepted I was on Pension Credit and I filled the necessary form and my dental treatment was free. The dentists here do not accept this method. I’m desperate for treatment but I’m afraid I cannot afford it.  

I used to be an NHS dental nurse and I’m sad that it has come to this. 

– 

I’m sorry to hear that it is proving so difficult to find a dentist, and even more frustrating for you as you were a dental nurse.  

It really shouldn’t be this difficult and I completely sympathise that the options on offer are just not affordable. 

I’ve had a look on the NHS website online and have found 2 dentists in Bracknell that state they are ‘accepting adults entitled to free dental care’.  

The NHS link is here. 

Do give them a call with regard to registering, please let me know how you get on. All the best! 

Nectar card reader tip

Hi Jasmine, 

I buy my energy through Sainsbury’s and with the high costs of heating my home and using my car any savings are gratefully received. 
 
So, I was surprised to receive a message from Nectar, that I should consider buying something with my points that were building up because of the above, so a FREE wonderful blender £38.00 arrived from Argos and when I fill up with petrol at my closest garage and get my nectar card out, not to put points on but to spend them, an average of £ 3.00 off my bill every time. 
– 

I am really impressed with your shopping habits, so much so that I shared your email with the team. 

A free blender using your Nectar points, you definitely are winning. 

With this awful cost of living crisis, it’s heart-warming to know that you are finding ways not only to make savings but also to benefit from the points you earn. 

Thank you so much for sharing.

All the best, Jasmine 

The post Ask Jasmine 10: What if I can’t afford dental care? appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Welcome to Ask Jasmine, the column where I round up some of the questions I have received from readers each week. This week, I answer questions about the council’s duty of care, Queen memorabilia and more!

I hope these answers can help you with any questions you may have. Don’t forget to leave any questions you have in the comments below or email me on help@moneymagpie.com.

• Can I get grants to decorate my home?
• Does the council have a duty of care?
• Where can I sell my Queen memorabilia?
• Is there any financial help available for me?

Can I get grants to decorate my home?

I am living in a council flat in London and want to find best value for money for a home makeover (new flooring and wall painting). The indoor looks shabby (no flooring and wall paper is very old). The council do not provide any help with this. Could you please advise me where to get help or grant for this work? 

Thank you for your kind reply. 

– 

Unfortunately, councils no longer offer home repair/improvement grants, due to budget cuts. However, there are some other options you could investigate. 

Home Improvement Agencies in your area may be able to offer some help towards costs: https://www.findmyhia.org.uk/  

Alternatively, you could try Turn2Us which allows you to search for grants by geographical area and need: https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/  

You could also contact Citizen’s Advice and ask to speak to someone who deals with housing. They may be able to offer more help and guidance. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/  

I wish all the best with this. 

Does the council have a duty of care?

I’m terminally ill and need carers. I thought the local council had a duty of care to help care for us or help us find private carers to do it. My local council carers got rid of everyone bar me in my area from their books. They are trying to get rid of us too. 

We can’t afford to go private. The local council does assessments to determine what care we need and how much it costs. We pay a lot in care considering I live off benefits. They want to get rid of us and want us to go private, which we can’t afford. Can they force us like that? Do they have a duty of care to us? 

I’m guessing its different in each country. I’m in Scotland. 

– 

Thank you for getting in contact. I am sorry to hear of your situation with the carers and the council.  

In answer to your question, unfortunately the level of care councils are duty bound to provide is open to interpretation. They should provide you with a certain level of care, depending on your needs, or help you find that provision. 

I spoke to someone at Marie Curie Scotland on your behalf, but she was unable to provide much information without knowing more about your situation. She did say you could contact them directly for more advice and guidance about your rights. The number is 0800 090 2309. 

There is also Care Information Scotland: 0800 011 3200 (open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm). They have lots of information on their website and an online chat portal:  https://www.careinfoscotland.scot/  

Do you have anyone close by who can advocate for you? This would be ideal as they could contact organisations on your behalf. If not, you could contact the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance 0131 510 9410 for help. 

I wish you all the very best with finding the care that you need. 

Where can I sell queen memorabilia?

I have a newspaper issue with the late Queen Elizabeth on it from her jubilee in 2002. I don’t know if anyone would want it or where I could sell it? I’d be grateful for advice. 

– 

Thank you for getting in contact regarding your newspaper featuring the Queen from 2002. 

I recommend that you list your item on eBay. You can either set a price or offer it up for auction. There are currently a large number of similar items for sale as there is understandably increased interest at the moment. 

It’s worth checking to see what other newspapers are selling for and also check what they are charging for postage. 

Good luck! 

Is there any financial help available for me?

I am in my mid-60s, live alone, and Iam on an income of approx. £600 per month. I am not yet eligible for the state pension and I am not eligible for universal credit. There doesn’t seem to be the same help available for the likes of me, as those on benefits or state pension. 

I have received some money from my local authority and have been recently awarded a grant towards heating from the Home Heating Support Fund. I am glad of these amounts, but they are not on a par with the amounts of money available to those I have just mentioned. 

Any advice appreciated. 

– 

From what I have read in your message, you are doing everything that I would have suggested. You have contacted the council for extra help and you have applied for grants.  

I think the best advice we can give is for you to contact an organisation like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which specialises in help for people on lower incomes. They are experts in this field and may be able to offer advice and guidance. The phone number is 01904 629241. 

We do get other queries like yours – from people who fall in the gaps between low income and benefits. If I find out anything more, I will get back in contact with you. I would also be very interested to hear how you get on. It is an area that needs attention and addressing. 

–

Do you have a question for me? Leave it in the comments below, or email me your question on help@moneymagpie.com. I may just answer it in next week’s Ask Jasmine column.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. 

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Understandably he asked what could he do to create enough of a nest egg to live on when he retires.

It’s a tricky question.

He’d spent his life doing jobs that didn’t include pension payments and hadn’t been able to put anything away himself. Now he is wondering what to do.

We asked some experts to give their view as to what he could do to help himself. See if it helps you too.

• Our reader’s problem
• What the experts say
• If you’re looking for debt help

our reader’s problem

When we asked him for specifics about his situation he said:

It’s a tough situation for him so we brought in three experts to give their view on how he can invest for his future.

What the experts say

Andrew Sykes, Noah’s Ark Centre, Halifax

First of all we asked Andrew Sykes from the Noah’s Ark Centre in Halifax. This centre helps people with debt and benefits and is connected to the debt charity Community Money Advice.

This is what he says:

david braithwaite, financial advisor, citrus financial

What to do if you need debt help

• Firstly, contact one of the free debt advice agencies. We have a list of them here.
• Also take a look at Turn2Us.org.uk which has a benefits calculator that you can use to see if there are any benefits you’re owed that you haven’t accessed yet.
• Make sure you are signed up to our free weekly newsletters to that you can find out about the latest money-saving, money-making and freebie ideas.
• Do remember that, as Andrew mentioned above, there are various ways you can make extra cash even if you’re on benefits. Check out our ideas for making money from home here, or selling your stuff here, or making money online, all of which have great ideas for making extra cash if you’re not too mobile.

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