Tax Credits are Changing - time to claim Universal Credit
Some benefits including Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits are ending. If you get any these you need to apply for Universal Credit. This is a way of having all your benefits in one place.
If your benefit is changing to Universal Credit, you will get a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions. This letter is called a Migration Notice and the letter asks you to claim Universal Credit. It is very important you keep the letter. The letter will have a date on it, you must have applied for Universal Credit by this date, or you may lose money. You will usually have three months to claim.
You can get help to claim by calling the free helpline 0800 328 5644
If you have problems hearing or speaking on the phone, you can use Relay UK Dial 18001 then 0800 169 0328
If you need extra support to apply, you can use the Citizen Advice Bureau’s Help to Claim Service.
Freephone 0800 144 8444 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
A translation service is available, just ask when you call .
You can get help from an adviser using online chat:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim
Find out more:
Support available - Understanding Universal Credit
Groundwork
Energy, advice and support
Helping Greater Manchester residents become warmer, healthier and better off in their homes by providing energy saving advice and home improvements to put an end to cold homes.
Libraries as warm spaces
Your local library is a warm welcome space to have a brew, a chat, get advice, pick up a Free data SIM and get online. Stay as long as you want.
Libraries as cool spaces
Cool spaces are indoor venues that help reduce health risks during hot weather. They are not meant to provide medical care or support to vulnerable people. Instead, they offer:
- shelter from the sun,
- free water,
- a place to cool down and;
- resting areas.
The Manchester libraries are cool spaces - they are friendly locations and offer easy access to drinking water. Please ask a staff member for help in getting free water.
Manchester City Council
Winter warmth advice for you and your home.Help to keep warm and well this winter
- Help with energy bills
- Community warm hubs
- Cost of living support
- How catching flu can cost you
Lets Get Digital
As the cost of living crisis continues, the MCC Digital Inclusion team want to share the support they can offer to residents who are struggling.
From cheap laptops and PCs to free WiFi and smartphones, they can get the kit and data that residents need to get online and for those who need to boost their digital skills, there are many locations across the city offering free classes and drop ins.
They have created this directory where you can filter by postcode or ward to find your nearest class.
They also offer free telephone support to people who have internet access at home, but don’t have the skills or confidence to use it effectively. To access this free support,
Text: 07860 064128 or
Email: digitalinclusion@manchester.gov.uk
Digital exclusion is far more likely to affect those on low incomes, can cost
households up to £560 per year from the missed savings of shopping and paying bills online, and will negatively affect earnings.
People with higher digital skills earn 3-10% more than those with low skills, make greater savings online and can access public services more easily. They believe that digital inclusion is an essential part of the response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Please get in touch or see their website to find out more:https://manchesterdigitalstrategy.com/projects-1/lets-get-digital
View this leaflet which shares QR codes to money saving apps and websites
Max Your Money
The Growth Company launched this initiative to support GM residents with the cost of living crisis.
Max Your Money allows residents to easily understand what services they offer which can help them maximise their income whether it is finding employment, securing an additional job, gaining new skills to secure a better job or accessing support to develop their business.
They are working with a partner network which includes Citizen’s Advice, Trussell Trust & GM Poverty Action who will promote their offer to their customers, many of whom are accessing advice services for the first time.
Northmoor Community Association
Northmoor Community Diner
Everyone is welcome at Northmoor Community Diner where you can eat a freshly cooked meal for only £1, meet people from the community, and find out what’s going locally.
The Wise Group
HEAT - Are you struggling with fuel prices and need some advice?
This service is open to people in the North West of England, and is a crisis support for people in fuel poverty.
Their new service with their HEAT mentors is to provide support to individuals who are at risk of fuel poverty, currently experiencing fuel poverty or who simply need some guidance in relation to their energy usage or supply.
They can support customers to alleviate debt, address energy concerns and potentially access funding for fuel support.
They will be able to provide support in the following ways:
- Income Maximisation
- Distribution of Crisis Funds
- Fuel Debt Support
- Energy Saving Tips and Measures
- Support Applications for additional services
Call 0800 092 9002 or email octopusheat@thewisegroup.co.uk
Top tips to save money on your energy bills
United Utilities
United Utilities is offering online debt support service to everyone in the North West amid ongoing cost of living crisis. You can visit their Hardship Hub to find out more about the support available for you.
Vaccination Campaign
Catching flu can cost you in many ways:
- Including your time, It can be up to two weeks of feeling ill.
- Including your plans, meeting up with family and friends.
- Money, If you don’t get sick pay or need to buy any medication.
A flu jab is free and done in minutes.
COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign
Flu Vaccinations
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