Benefit advice

We know there may be times when you run into financial hardship or simply need some support. We’re here to help.

Help with maximising your income

Do you need support applying for benefits? Are you unsure if you may be eligible? Has your application been refused, stopped or reduced?

We have a team of friendly and approachable advisors who can provide help and information with all types of benefits from filling out an application, to appeal and tribunal. You can find a list of benefits below.

If you need support with maximising your income, call us on 0300 555 0500 or email our dedicated team on mb-welfarebenefits@chp.org.uk. You can check if you may be eligible for extra income by visiting Benefits Calculators.

 

Some benefits are ending and most people will need to apply for Universal Credit.
If you get a Migration Notice from the DWP, please don’t ignore it. If you don’t apply, your income could change.
We have a friendly team of Welfare Benefit Advisors available to help you with this process and answer any questions you may have.
Please call us on 0300 555 0500 (text relay: 18001 0300 555 0500) if you need help switching to Universal Credit. 

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    I can’t tell you what a relief it is to now be getting the money I need to be able to live. I don’t know what I would have done without the team’s help to get my benefits returned. My mental health is getting better and I am less worried about things.

    Dave – a CHP customer and ex-soldier suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a knee injury

Links for further help with benefit advice

Working age support

Disability benefits

Retirement
Universal Credit Personal Independence Payment State pension
'New style' Jobseeker's Allowance Disability Living Allowance Pension Credit
'New style' Employment and Support Allowance Attendance Allowance Attendance Allowance
Personal Independence Payment Carer's Allowance Housing Benefit Application
Carer's Allowance Universal Credit Council Tax Reduction (Council Tax Support)
Discretionary Housing Payment Employment and Support Allowance  
Council Tax Reduction (Council Tax Support)    
Bereavement Support Payment    

 

Managing your payments

To help you manage your payments more easily, register or sign in to your online account. Here you can view your statements, recent transactions and payment due dates at any time.

We know that personal circumstances can change and that this can often make it difficult to meet your payments on time. If you’re having difficulty paying your rent, it’s important to take action and not ignore your debt. It could save you money and prevent you from losing your home in the long run.

Struggling to pay your rent or charges?

If you’re having difficulty meeting your payments, want to discuss a payment plan or need help with claiming welfare benefits, please email imt@chp.org.uk or call us on 0300 555 0500. (Text relay: 18001 0300 555 0500).

You can also get free advice from any of the independent organisations listed in the useful links section.

Extra support in times of need | Food banks

Food banks provide free food for people who are struggling to afford to buy enough food to eat. Care professionals identify people in need and issue vouchers which can be exchanged for emergency food.

If you can’t afford food, please contact the Trussell Trust to find your local food bank or see if there’s a collection point in your area. You can call their free helpline on 0808 208 2138. Alternatively, you can contact us.

Avoid payday loans

You might be tempted to borrow money when you’re struggling to make ends meet. We strongly recommend that you think about the alternatives before you borrow from a payday lender. Payday loans are an expensive way to borrow and the debt can spiral out of control very quickly if you don’t make the repayments. This could leave you struggling to pay for the essentials you need. If you’re having problems repaying a payday loan or looking for help with debt, please contact StepChange Debt Charity. They provide free, impartial advice.

Beware of loan sharks

Loan sharks are illegal lenders who often target people who are struggling financially. We urge you to steer clear of loan sharks offering cash and quick fixes. Contact Stop Loan Sharks for confidential advice if you’ve been affected by loan sharks.

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    Health and wellbeing

    Where to get help if you’re struggling with your mental or physical health
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    Employment skills

    Find out about training and apprenticeships if you’re looking to develop your work skills
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    Life skills

    Improve your skills in a range of areas including using technology and managing money
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    About your payments

    Sign in to your online account to find out about the four weeks a year you don’t pay rent

Useful links