Benefit Entitlement: Advice and Resources

Benefits can feel confusing, especially if your circumstances have changed or money is feeling tight. The good news is that there are some reliable places to start, and you do not need to figure it all out on your own.

Check what you might be entitled to

A good first step is to use an online benefits calculator. The government points people to free tools that can give you an estimate based on your income, savings, rent, work and family situation.

You can start with the GOV.UK benefits calculators page or the government support checker.

Local help for Gnosall residents

For support with Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and related forms, visit Stafford Borough Council. If you are struggling with a shortfall in rent or council tax, there is also information about Discretionary Housing Payments.

Staffordshire County Council also has a useful cost of living support section, including help with benefits, money worries and local support schemes.

Independent advice

If you want plain-English guidance, Citizens Advice is often a very good place to look. Their website covers Universal Credit, disability benefits, carers support, pension help and what to do if your situation has changed.

A quick word

Many people miss out simply because they assume they will not qualify. It is always worth checking. A few minutes spent looking into it could make a real difference.

Downloadable Advice

About Citizens Advice: Service Overview and Volunteering Opportunities

An informational leaflet explaining Citizens Advice's role as a free, independent advice service in the UK, its core principles, the types of problems it helps with, and its campaigning work to improve policies and services.

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Advice for Carers: Practical and Emotional Help

A comprehensive guide providing practical and emotional support for carers looking after someone. Covers financial assistance, needs assessment, wellbeing, and available support services for carers across the UK.

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Attendance Allowance Information Guide

A guide to Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit providing extra money for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to disability or illness. The leaflet covers eligibility criteria, payment rates, application methods, and how to complete the claim form.

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Carer's Allowance Information Guide

A guide explaining Carer's Allowance, a weekly payment available to people who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone with a disability or illness. The leaflet covers eligibility criteria, how to apply, and how it interacts with other benefits.

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Council Tax Reduction: Help with Your Council Tax

This guide explains Council Tax Reduction (also called Council Tax Support), a financial assistance scheme for people over State Pension age with low incomes or claiming certain benefits. It covers eligibility criteria, how much help you can receive, other available discounts and exemptions, and how to apply.

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Financial Support and Advice for Pensioners

A comprehensive guide for pensioners in Telford and Wrekin detailing available financial support, benefits, and assistance from government and local council sources. Covers state pensions, pension credit, housing support, council tax reduction, and other welfare entitlements.

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More Money in Your Pocket: Claiming the Right Benefits for You

This Age UK guide explains what state benefits are available to older people in the UK and how to claim them, covering pensions, housing support, care costs, and other financial assistance that many eligible people fail to claim.

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State Pension Factsheet

Comprehensive guide to the new State Pension (from April 2016) and old State Pension, covering eligibility, State Pension age changes, claim procedures, rates, National Insurance contributions, and changes in circumstances.

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Useful Contacts: Information and Advice Directory

A comprehensive directory of trusted organisations providing support and advice to older people across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The guide covers topics including money matters, housing, health, social care, legal issues, employment, and leisure.

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Your Hospital Stay: What to Expect When You Go Into Hospital

A comprehensive guide for older people about hospital admissions, covering what to expect before, during and after a hospital stay, including planned and emergency admissions, patient rights, discharge procedures, and post-discharge care options.

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