Claim benefits
Make sure you are claiming all the government support you can. It is worth double checking even if you are already getting benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Benefits calculators
Use a benefits calculator on the government website to check if you can access more benefits. You can use the Citizens Advice benefits calculator or contact Isle of Wight Citizens Advice.
Cost of Living Payment
You may be able to get Cost of Living Payments if you are eligible for certain benefits or tax credits. You will be paid these automatically if you are eligible for them. There are more details about eligibility on the government website.
Pension credit
Pension Credit tops up pension income and can help with day-to-day living costs.
If you are over State Pension age you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit even if you own your home or have savings. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get
- help with heating costs
- help with rent and Council Tax
- a free TV licence for those aged 75 or over
- help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95. Qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances.
Get more information and use the online calculator
Childcare Choices
Thousands of families could be saving money on their childcare costs.
The Childcare Choices website brings together all the existing childcare offers in one place, so you can get the help that fits your family. This could be through Tax-Free Childcare, 30 Hours Childcare, or Universal Credit Childcare.
And from next year even more help is on the way:
- From April 2024, eligible working parents in England with children aged 2 will have access to 15 hours childcare.
- From September 2024, the 15 hours childcare offer will be expanded to eligible working parents in England with children between 9 and 23 months old.
- From September 2025, eligible working parents in England with children between 9 months up to school age will have access to 30 hours childcare.