Government benefits and money

Attendance Allowance

Go online for information on Attendance Allowance on Gov.uk or phone:

Attendance Allowance helpline

Telephone: 0345 605 6055
Textphone: 0345 604 5312
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges (link to Gov.uk)

Carer’s Allowance

If you have substantial caring needs your carer may be able to claim carer’s allowance.

Go online to Carers Allowance on Gov.uk for more information, or go directly to Carers Allowance How to Claim on Gov.uk to find out how to apply online or using a paper application.

Suffolk Family Carers also provides useful information and support for unpaid family carers.

Disability Living Allowance

The Disability Living Allowance is being replaced by Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for anyone aged 16-64.

Existing claimants aged 16-64

New claimants under 16

Disability Living Allowance
Telephone: 0345 712 3456
Textphone: 0345 722 4433
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges (link to Gov.uk)

Employment and Support Allowance

Contact centre numbers

Telephone: 0800 055 6688
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

You can also apply through Job Centre Plus, read more on:

Income Support

You may be able to get Income Support if you meet all the specific conditions including:

  • you and your partner have no income or a low income
  • you’re working less than 16 hours a week
  • you haven’t signed on as unemployed

The actual amount you get depends on your circumstances.

More information about Income Support

How to claim Income Support

The quickest way to apply for Income Support is by phone.

New benefit claims

Jobcentre Plus— new claims
Telephone: 0800 055 6688
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges (link to Gov.uk)

Find out about other ways to claim on Income Support How to Claim on Gov.uk

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is an income-related benefit made up of two parts:

  • Guarantee Credit
  • Savings Credit

More information

Pension Credit claim line
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

You can also use a paper application if you’re unable to make a claim by phone.

Personal Independence Payments (PIPs)

Go to Personal Independence Payments on Gov.uk for information about Personal Independence Payments.

Or start your claim by phoning free on:
Department for Work and Pensions — Personal Independence Payment claims
Telephone: 0800 917 2222
Textphone: 0800 917 7777
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges (link to Gov.uk)

Which allowance might you qualify for?

The information here is a guide about allowances you may be able to claim. This information is to the best of our knowledge correct but can always change. You should never assume that you will receive a benefit or allowance unless this has been confirmed by the DWP or other body responsible for allocating the money.

You must have needed help for at least three months already and be likely to need help for at least another nine months, but if you are terminally ill you can claim straight away.

DWP British Sign Language Guide to Personal Independence Payments

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG_nG1MYU3k]

There are a lot more British Sign Language videos from the DWP about PIP on the DWP YouTube Channel.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is replacing some other benefits for people on low incomes or out of work:

  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support

Universal Credit is being phased in across the country, but is already in our area, for example in Felixstowe.

How to claim Universal Credit

If you’re already claiming benefit you’ll be told when your benefits are being replaced by Universal Credit. If you’re not already claiming benefit and wish to apply, claim your benefits as usual and you will be told if you will be put onto

More information about Universal Credit

DWP video: What is Universal Credit on YouTube

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7GUu7Xa7Nw]

Universal Credit helpline

Or call the Department for Work and Pensions’ Universal Credit helpline:

Telephone:0345 600 0723
Textphone: 0345 600 0743
Find out about call charges (link to Gov.uk)

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