There are several benefits you might be entitled to that can help reduce bills or increase your income. We recommend using a benefits calculator to see what financial help you could be receiving. Citizens Advice has a list of reliable benefits calculators.

If you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF) or cannot receive benefits for British and Irish citizens, you may get support for migrant families from the NRPF Network.

Benefits, grants and payments information

Find out more about benefits and discretionary payments you may be eligible for in our benefits section. You can also view your benefits online. This includes:

• benefits if you are disabled, have a health condition or are caring for somebody
• discounts and exemptions on your Council Tax
• support with Council Tax
• housing benefits

Crisis payment scheme

The crisis payment scheme is part of the UK Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, which was set up to support individuals on a low income who are facing financial difficulty or an emergency.

Government payments and grants

Find out more about benefits on GOV.UK, including the housing part of Universal Credit.

If you need additional help after viewing the information available, you can contact our benefits team.

Other payments and grants include:

• Universal Credit
• Marriage Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Energy Bill Discount - this should be paid automatically from October to March
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Budgeting Loan
• Discretionary Housing Payment
• Support for Mortgage Interest
• Tax-Free Childcare
• Child Benefit
• Sure Start Maternity Grant

Pension credit

Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £201.05 a week for single pensioners or £306.85 for couples.

Crisis advice scheme for BCP residents

If you are under significant pressure or in danger, we may be able to offer help through our crisis advice scheme. Please note that you must be a BCP resident over the age of 16.