Get the support you're entitled to, don't miss out!

Talk Community are encouraging Herefordshire residents to get the support they’re entitled to this autumn

Research has shown that millions of benefits go unclaimed each year, meaning many Herefordshire residents could be worse-off than they should be.

Many people may assume that they are not entitled to any support if they are working or have some savings, but this isn’t always the case.

To make sure that our friends, neighbours, colleagues and communities are getting the support that they are entitled to, we think that it’s important that we raise awareness of support that is available.

Council tax support

Council Tax Reduction is a scheme to assist people on a low income with their Council Tax bill. The amount of reduction you can claim will depend on your circumstances. You may be eligible even if you are working and have some savings. If you are eligible, the way you will receive this will be through a reduction in your Council Tax bill. You are likely to be eligible for Council Tax Reduction if you are on Universal Credit but you will need to make a separate claim

For more information on eligibility and to make a claim

Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Payment

If you already claim Council Tax Reduction but you are struggling to pay your council tax, Herefordshire Council might be able to reduce the amount you have to pay with help from the Discretionary Hardship Payment funded by Government. For more information visit the Herefordshire Council website

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension and gives you extra money to help with living costs if you are over state pension age and on a low income. You can get pension credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

Click here for more information or use the Pension Credit Calculator to find out if you're eligible. 

Social Tariffs

If you are  in receipt of certain benefits, such as Universal credit or Pension credit you could be entitled to claim a cheaper deal on your broadband and phone package, and save around £200 per a year. For more information visit the Ofcom website. 

Help paying for your childcare

Childcare can be costly. Help with childcare costs may be available to you. Working families can get up to £2000 per year per child through the tax free childcare scheme. To find out about this and other schemes which you might be eligible for visit the childcare choices website.

Healthy Start Vouchers

If you are on a low income, are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under the age of 4 you could get help to buy healthy food and milk. To find out more about eligibility and how to apply visit the Healthy Start website.

Check your eligibility and get help to claim

The support listed above is not a comprehensive list, but includes some of the most under-claimed benefits. To get a better understanding of what support might be available to you, we recommend using the Better Off tool.

Better Off is an online service for people who live in Herefordshire. Better off will show you the benefits that you are entitled to and will help you apply for them online.  

Citizens Advice Herefordshire are now offering dedicated appointments for Benefits form filling in Hereford and Bromyard town centre.

Citizens Advice Help to Claim can help with the early stages of your universal credit claim, you can talk to them on the phone or online over chat.