Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

How will my claim be worked out?

Answer:

This will depend on your individual circumstances.

For those customers who receive Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (income based), Employment and Support Allowance (income related) or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), they will automatically get the maximum help available.

All other customers will have their claims means-tested by the council.

This will involve looking at the total nett income from all sources (wages, self-employed profits, benefits and allowances), including checking the value of your total savings (to assume a weekly income from them) and comparing the total income with what the Government says a family of your type and size needs to live on each week (called an applicable amount).

Customers with a total weekly income which is higher than this Government figure then lose help on a sliding scale. The benefit calculator will help you check your possible entitlement, or contact us if you want more help.