Many Northern Ireland families are feeling the pinch and struggling with the cost of living these days amid rising food prices and soaring energy bills.
However, it’s important that you avail of all the financial help that's available to you, and there could be some schemes you are eligible for without even being aware of it.
There are a number of financial schemes aimed at people across Northern Ireland, both employed and unemployed, from Universal Credit that helps those on a low income or out of work to the Winter Fuel Payment that can help cover heating bills.
Read more: Northern Ireland folk living Down Under open up on feeling the pinch
With the current cost of living increases impacting many individuals and households at this time, the Department for Communities has a range of financial supports and advice available which may help.
Here are some benefits you could be claiming - and some are worth hundreds of pounds:
Cost of Living Support Payments
Cost of living payments include one-off payments to those on income related benefits, disabled claimants and pensioners.
These payments are intended to provide support to those eligible with the current cost of living increases.
Universal Credit (UC)
This is a payment for people over the age of 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work.
It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare, and financial support for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work.
‘New Style’ Employment and Support Allowance
New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is for people who have an illness or a disability that restricts their ability to work.
Carer’s Allowance
Those aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is ill or has a disability, may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
‘New Style’ Jobseekers Allowance
New Style JSA is for people who have lost their employment, who have paid National Insurance Contributions and who are actively seeking work.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit provides extra money and access to a wide range of other benefits to help with housing costs, dental and optical treatment and heating bills to help with your living costs.
It is for those over State Pension age and on a low income.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit. You may it get if you are State Pension age or over and need help with personal care because you have a physical or mental disability.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is for people who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that is expected to last for 12 months or longer.
PIP can help towards expenses as a result of the extra living costs arising from having a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
Maternity Allowance
Maternity Allowance is usually paid if you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. You can claim Maternity Allowance as soon as you have been pregnant for 26 weeks.
Payments can start 11 weeks before your baby is due.
Finance Support Service
The Finance Support Service provides advice and support for those experiencing a financial crisis for whatever reason. The services and supports available are:
Universal Credit Contingency fund
This is a short-term living expenses grant to help those who may need some financial support after making a new claim to Universal Credit.
Short-Term Benefit Advance
This advance can help those that may need money after making a new claim to a benefit other than Universal Credit.
Discretionary Support
This support can help for short-term living expenses or household items.
Social Fund Budgeting Loan
Help for essential household items such as furniture, clothing or footwear.
Social Fund Sure Start Maternity Grant
Help towards the cost of maternity and baby items.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit can help pay the rent and rates on your home if you are on a low income.
Support for Mortgage Interest
Homeowners that get certain income-related benefit may be able to get help towards mortgage interest payments.
Mortgage Interest Run On
Mortgage Interest Run On is an extra four weeks of money to help towards paying your housing costs if certain other benefits are stopping because you’re returning to work, earning or working more hours.
Winter Fuel Payment
A winter fuel payment can help you pay your heating bills. If you are eligible you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills.
Households eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2022/23 will also qualify for an additional £300 pensioner Cost of Living Support Payment.
Cold Weather Payments
Those receiving certain benefits, could qualify for extra money for each week there is very cold weather in their area - You do not need to apply.
If you’re eligible to get a Cold Weather Payment, you’ll be paid it automatically.
Affordable Warmth
The Affordable Warmth Scheme addresses the effects of fuel poverty and energy inefficiency and is aimed at low income households
Boiler Replacement
The Boiler Replacement Scheme helps home owners with the cost of replacing boilers.
Bereavement Support Payment
Gives financial help to deal with the more immediate costs caused by the death of a spouse or civil partner. It is paid where the date of death was on or after 6 April 2017.
Funeral Expenses Payment
If you’re on a low income and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging, you may be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund. You might have to repay some or all of it from the deceased person’s estate.
The Child Funeral Fund
The Child Funeral Fund provides a one-off lump sum payment to cover the expense of a funeral after the death of a child under the age of 18, or stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.
Money and Debt Advice
For independent advice on how to manage your money or help with debt you can visit the Advice NI website.
Help with health costs
Most Health Service treatment is free, although there can be charges for some things. Those on some qualifying benefits, can get help with the cost of some treatment, services and items.
Make the Call
A quick call, can make a lasting difference. The Make the Call service helps people access all the benefits, supports and services they are entitled to.
Call 0800 232 1271, or request a call back via text by texting ADVICE to 079 8440 5248.
Last year, Make the Call helped 9,000 people get an additional £42 million in benefits and supports with an average additional £90 per week.
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