Are you claiming every benefit you’re entitled to? | Tenant news

Did you know that, according to the Policy in Practice’s 2023 Annual Report, £19 billion of benefit support goes unclaimed each year?

That amount could help 1.2 million families. As well as not claiming benefit support, 97% of low-income households aren’t claiming broadband social tariffs which slash the cost of getting online.

‘Passport’ benefits

There’s no doubt that claiming welfare benefits and other support, can be stressful and time consuming. But not only are benefits going unclaimed, many people don’t question it when they’re awarded a lower amount, and they miss out on the higher sum they’re eligible for.

Meanwhile, some benefits can be a ‘passport’ to others. For example, if you’re getting a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) it could also lead to help with your council tax, more money from Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance (if you’re a carer) or a disability parking badge.

How we work

If you’re referred to us for advice, our experienced benefits advisers will talk to you about what support is available to you.

We’ll take some detailed information from you so that we can find out what benefits you could be missing out on. We’ll ask about your:

• income
• outgoings
• personal or family circumstances.

We use this information to build a picture of what you’re entitled to. We’ll share this with you in a report and direct you to how you can claim the support you’re entitled to or we’ll direct you to a local organisation, like Citizen’s Advice, who can help with form filling.

Let us help you

DRUK is glad to be helping Habinteg tenants maximise income from welfare benefits and other (financial and non-financial) sources of support. Since working with Habinteg, we’ve had several successes, including helping tenants to appeal for benefits such as PIP.

We’ve also helped tenants to receive Discretionary Housing Payments to help with rent arrears, and to access the right elements within Universal Credit.

If you need a little extra help navigating your way through the benefits system, we’d love to help you too.

Our service is open to all Habinteg tenants, whether or not you consider yourself a disabled person. Please email habinteg@disabilityrightsuk.org or call Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 and ask for the Rent Assist team. They’ll refer you to us.