Financial Support:

Citizens Advice

Teignbridge Citizens Advice offer free, impartial advice on debt, benefits, employment, and housing problems. They can help households make sure you’re getting all the support they are entitled to.https://citizensadviceteignbridge.org.uk  Advice Line 0344 411 1444

Universal Credit

If people have lost their job or had their hours reduced, they might be eligible for Universal Credit. Many in-work households do not claim as they do not know what they are entitled to. Help to Claim is a service to help people in the early stages of a Universal Credit claim. Support is available on freephone 0800 1448444 Information on Universal Credit, advance payment and the migration from ‘legacy benefits’ is available at www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk

Pension Credit

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help people of State Pension age and on a low income with living costs. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges and is a ‘passport benefit’ which allows access to other support such as free TV license, Warm Homes Discount and NHS dental treatment. £10,000 or less in savings and investments does not affect Pension Credit entitlement. More details on eligibility, amounts and how to apply are available at www.gov.uk/pension-credit Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234

NHS prescriptions and health costs

Some people are eligible for free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and help with other NHS costs including transport to appointments. www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs

Money Advice & Pensions Service

Government funded debt advice, budgeting tools and money advice is provided by the Money and Pensions Service. Money Helper offers free, impartial help with money online, over the phone on 0800 138 7777  www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Council Tax Support
Households on low-income with under £16,000 savings or capital (unless in receipt of Pension Credit) may qualify for a discount from their council tax bill up to 100% (Teignbridge is the only council to do this in the Southwest). 01626 361101 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 5pm. Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm) revandbens@teignbridge.gov.uk

Discretionary Housing Payment
Discretionary Housing Payment can provide extra money to help residents in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of universal Credit with housing costs including 

• Rent deposits
• Rent in advance
• Moving costs
• Rent arrears
• A shortfall between housing benefit and rent or housing costs included in Universal Credit and rent

Payments are short term and special circumstances will be considered. To apply, details and application forms are available at Teignbridge District Council. E-mail revandbens@teignbridge.gov.uk

Energy Efficiency:

Cosy Devon

Lower-income householders can apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes worth thousands of pounds. Improvements will also reduce their energy bills and lower their home’s carbon emissions.  

The scheme is available to residents who have an annual combined household income of less than £30,000 and whose homes have an energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F or G. WWW.CosyDevon.com

HITS Foodbank

Will provide Slow Cookers to help household cut their energy costs. 01626 906371.

Help with Food:

HITS Foodbank

HITS foodbank provides support for people in need throughout Teignbridge, though the provision of food and toiletries. Their normal opening times are Mon-Fri, 10-4 although HITS do offer emergency cover at all times.  After the first food-pack, HITS require a referral from an agency such as the Citizens Advice. Job Centre or School. 01626 906371.

Free School Meals
Children in low-income households may be entitled to free school meals.

Apply via the Devon County Council website, and you’ll get an instant decision. Or call Devon County Council on 0345 155 1019.

http://soc.devon.cc/oDfie

Children entitled to free school meals and schools can benefit from ‘pupil premium’ to support extra curricular activities

Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Government funded programme to provide school-aged children eligible for Free School Meals with access to free healthy meals and activities in school holidays. 

NHS Healthy Start Scheme
Pre-paid card for pregnant women and parents of children under 4 to help buy milk, fruit and vegetables. www.healthystart.nhs.uk 0300 330 7010.

Other useful links:

Devon Educational Trust

The Devon Educational Trust awards grants to children and young people under the age of 25 who live in Devon. DET aim to provide support for the improvement of their education, social and mental wellbeing. DET also support schools groups and charities with their work in these areas.

Htttps://devoneducationaltrust.co.uk

Turn2Us

Turn2Us has an online grant finder and benefits checker.

www.turn2us.org.uk

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