Our expert Welfare Advice and Tenancy Wellbeing Teams can help with:
- Signposting for budgeting and debt advice (including utility debt)
- Applying for benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independance Payments, Disability Living Allowance, etc
- Appealing benefit decisions, including sanctions
- Issuing food and fuel vouchers
- Grants for rent arrears or essential items in exceptional circumstances
In 2023/24, we secured more than £1million in additional benefits and grants for Cobalt customers. This was money that our customers did not know they were entitled to.
If you ever need financial support, please call our Welfare Advice Team on 0330 303 2222.
Claiming benefits
It’s important to check that you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to.
In 2023/24, we secured more than £1million in additional benefits and grants for Cobalt customers. This was money that our customers did not know they were entitled to.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit.
Universal Credit combines your benefits into one monthly payment. You will budget to pay your bills, including your rent. Read more about Universal Credit, including information on how to apply, on the government’s website.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the additional cost of any disability or long-term health condition for those aged 16 and over. Read more about PIP, including how to apply, on the government’s website.
Housing Benefit
If you claim Jobseeker’s Allowance or if your income is below a certain level, you could receive Housing Benefit to help pay your rent. Read more about Housing Benefit, including how to apply, on the government’s website.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is available to people of state pension age who meet certain criteria. Click here to use the government’s pension credit calculator or call 0800 99 1234 to check your eligibility.
Bedroom Tax
The Under Occupation Penalty (or Bedroom Tax as it is commonly known) means that your Housing Benefit may be reduced if you have a spare room in your home. Click here to visit Liverpool City Council’s and see what is classed as a spare room.
Benefit cap
The Benefit Cap limits the amount of benefits working age people can receive. Click here to visit Turn2Us to find out more about the Benefit Cap.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) provide short-term support towards rent if your Housing Benefit and Universal Credit payments to not cover your full rent. Click here to visit Liverpool City Council’s website to find out more.
Benefits calculator
Turn2Us provides a free benefits calculator, so you can check any time you want.
Managed migration
Tax credits are ending and will be replaced by Universal Credit. This is called managed migration.
If you receive a migration notice from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), it’s important that you follow the instructions in the letter, otherwise your benefits will stop.
Money advice
There are lots organisations that offer free, impartial advice to help you manage your money.
Our expert Welfare Benefits Team is also here to help if you are ever worried about money.
Make your money go further
Social tariffs
If you receive certain benefits, you could receive cheaper broadband and phone packages, meaning you’ll receive the same service as new or existing customers for a lower cost.
Lots of broadband providers offer a social tariff. Find out out more about social tariffs, including eligibility and how to apply, on Money Saving Expert website.
Food vouchers
If you are struggling to afford food, we can give you a voucher for a three-day food parcel. There are a number of foodbanks in our neighbourhoods. To find your nearest foodbank and check opening days and times, visit Locations | North Liverpool Foodbank
Debt advice
Norris Green Debt Advice
You don’t need to live in Norris Green to access this service. Simply email Norris Green Debt Advice or call 0151 270 1688 for financial advice.
StepChange
StepChange is a specialist debt advice service. Visit their website or call us on 0330 303 2222 and we will make a referral on your behalf.
Money Helper
Money Helper can help you to budget your money