Need help in the recession?

I’ve just lost my job. What benefits am I entitled to?
The benefits you can get will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are looking for work, you may be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you have children, you may be entitled to Child Tax Credit. If you are sick or disabled, you may be able to get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). If you are a lone parent or a carer, you may be entitled to Income Support.

If you own your own home or are buying your own home and you receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income- related ESA or Pension Credit, you may be entitled to help with your mortgage costs, although this may not be immediately available.

Some benefits are contribution-based. This means that the amount and type of benefit you receive depends on how many, and what type of national insurance contributions you paid when you were working. Other benefits are means-tested. This means that an assessment will be made of what income, savings or capital you have.

In all cases make your application as soon as possible.

Contact Jobcentre Plus
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk (Opens in a new window)

Claim Line 0800 055 6688

See also www.adviceguide.org.uk (Opens in a new window)for advice

Rent Arrears and Housing Advice
Keeping on top of rent payments is crucial as arrears can result in the threat of eviction and possibly homelessness. If you are struggling with your rent, get advice as soon as possible.
You may be able to get help paying your rent – the easiest way to find out if you are eligible for Housing Benefit is to put in a claim. Contact South Bucks District Council Benefits
Office on 01895 837515.

A Homelessness and Housing Advice Service is also available through the Council’s agent, Paradigm Housing, who are based at the Council Offices and can be contacted on 01494 830991.

Independent Housing Advice is also available locally from Shelter, who are based at the Southern Counties Housing Aid Centre, 27 Church Street, Slough. 0844 515 1392.

There is a Citizens Advice Bureau based at the Council offices. It is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 to 3. Telephone 01895 837 551 or ask at the Council reception. See also www.adviceguide.org.uk   (Opens in a new window) for advice and other bureaux.

Mortgage Arrears
If you can’t meet your mortgage repayments, or you’re worried you might fall behind, get in touch with your mortgage lender quickly and then they should try to help. You can also get free independent advice from other organisations.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service 0800 138 1111

National Debtline 0808 808 4000

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/pdf/self_help_pack/mortgage_arrears.pdf  (Opens in a new window)

Citizens Advice www.adviceguide.org.uk (Opens in a new window) for advice or to find local bureau.

Council Tax Arrears
Firstly, you need to find out whether you qualify for help with your Council Tax (Council Tax Benefit). You do not have to be receiving other benefits to qualify and help may be available if you are on a reduced income even if you own the property you live in.

If you do not qualify for Council Tax Benefit but are struggling to pay your Council Tax, contact the Council Tax office as early as possible to see if you can make alternative arrangements for payments.

South Bucks District Council - Benefits Office 01895 837515
South Bucks District Council - Council Tax Office 01895 837500

Struggling with Gas and Electricity Bills?
Independent advice on domestic energy efficiency and potentially reducing your gas and electricity bills is available from your local Energy Advice Centre.
Tel: 01908 699920
Web: www.mkea.org.uk (Opens in a new window)

Home Heat Helpline gives advice to consumers receiving

benefits or on a low income.
Free Helpline number: 0800 336699
Web: www.homeheathelpline.org (Opens in a new window)

Consumer Direct gives a wide range of consumer advice and this includes advice on energy suppliers.
Tel: 08454 040506
Web: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk (Opens in a new window)

Winter Fuel Payments are annual payments to help people aged 60 and over with the costs of keeping warm this winter. Winter Fuel payment helpline 0845 915 1515

Redundancy
During the current economic downturn the number of redundancies being announced across the country is increasing, however there is a duty upon the employer to ensure that redundancies are handled fairly. For advice on redundancy and for answers to frequently asked questions visit the ACAS website at www.acas.org.uk (Opens in a new window) or call the helpline on 08457 474747. You can also visit the government website at www.berr.gov.uk (Opens in a new window) and follow the links to employment; or contact Citizens Advice.

Careers Springboard helps redundant Executives to find new work.www.careersspringboard.info (Opens in a new window)

Relationship Problems
Problems being experienced during the current recession can put additional stress on relationships.
For help and advice you could contact Relate on 0300 100 1234

General Debt Advice
Many people are currently finding it increasing difficult to manage their debts. Your debt
will not go away, you must tackle the problem before it escalates out of control. Debt can be enormously stressful, so it is important to tell someone. There are a number of charities who can help you cope with the stress and help you work out a debt management strategy. Prioritise your responsibilities, for example, meeting repayments on essential services such as your mortgage, council tax, and utility bills should be your first concern.

Despite what you may think, most companies are sympathetic to people who cannot afford repayments. Recovering debt can be enormously expensive, so they are often willing to work out an agreement with you.

For help you can contact:-
Consumer Credit Counselling Service 0800 138 1111
National Debtline 0808 8084000
Citizens Advice www.adviceguide.org.uk (Opens in a new window) or South Bucks CAB 01895 837 551

Volunteering
Volunteering can help you keep your skills up to date while helping a local charity or community
group. Voluntary Action Chiltern and South Bucks has over 300 local groups registered with them who need volunteers.

To find an opportunity to suit you call 01895 837545, email joy.volaction@googlemail.com.

Do you run a small business / are you self employed?
If you run a small business and your premises have a rateable value of under £12,000, you should qualify for small business rate relief. If you are not already receiving this relief, call the Council’s Business Rates section on 0845 300 5014.

Whatever the economic conditions there is always a need for businesses to take stock and think about their business practices however this is particularly important in the current climate. BusinessLink is an organisation who has a range of resources to help organisations take steps to protect themselves.

Business Link South East 0845 600 9006 www.businesslink.gov.uk (Opens in a new window)
Business Debtline provide free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems
Tel: 0800 197 6026
Website: www.bdl.org.uk (Opens in a new window)

Free School Meals
Children whose parents are in receipt of some state benefits are entitled to free school meals.

The qualifying criteria are that the parents must be in receipt of one of the following, Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, An income-related employment and support allowance, Support under part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income that does not exceed £15,575 or The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.
To apply you should contact the child’s school directly.

Useful contacts

• ACAS - 08457 474747
• Beaconsfield Advisory Centre - 01494 672 987
• Burnham Information and Advice Centre - 01628 605 975
• Business Debtline—0800 197 6026
• Careers Springboard—www.careersspringboard.info
• Consumer Credit Counselling Service - 0800 138 1111
• Insolvency Service enquiry line - 0845 602 9848
• Jobcentre Plus - 0800 055 66 88
• National Debtline - 0808 808 4000
• Paradigm Housing— 01494 830991
• The Pension Service—0845 606 0265
• Relate - 0300 100 1234
• Samaritans - 08457 909090
• Shelter National Freephone - 0808 800 4444
• South Bucks Citizens Advice Bureau - 01895 837551
• SBDC Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit—01895 837515
• Tax Credits helpline— 0845 300 3900
• The Pension Service— 0845 606 026
• Winter Fuel Payment Helpline— 0845 915 1515