If you need help with money, benefits or living costs, there are services that can support you. You can get advice about what benefits you may be entitled to and where to find additional financial support.
Derbyshire Welfare Benefits
Derbyshire County Council - Welfare Benefits team can help to ensure you are claiming the correct entitlement to benefits. They can also help you to challenge benefit decisions and represent you at benefit appeals. The team can be contacted Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to midday, and 2pm to 4pm.
Telephone: 01629 531535
Email: welfare.benefits@derbyshire.gov.uk
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice - Benefits provides free information about benefits, debt, money, housing and employment. Benefit rules can change, and the support available depends on your circumstances. It is always a good idea to seek advice to check what you may be entitled to.
Benefits may be paid based on:
- your National Insurance record
- your needs - for instance, extra costs caused by disability
- whether your income is too low
- and a combination of the above
Derbyshire Discretionary Fund (DDF)
The Derbyshire County Council - Derbyshire Discretionary Fund (DDF) can provide grants or emergency cash payments if you are in urgent need of financial help following a crisis or disaster, or need help to settle or remain in your home.
Free School Meals
Derbyshire County Council - Free School Meals are government-funded meals provided to eligible pupils in schools across the UK. They aim to ensure that children from low-income families receive at least one nutritious meal per school day.
Universal Infant Free School Meals
Universal Infant Free School Meals provide free school lunches for all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 attending a state-funded school in England. You do not need to apply. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school or Derbyshire County Council on 01629 536481.
Benefits and Financial Support
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) may be available for children under 16 who have a disability or health condition and need more care, support, or supervision than other children of the same age.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may be available if you are aged 16 or over and have a long-term health condition or disability that affects your daily life or ability to get around.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) may be available if you are unable to work because of illness. It is usually paid by your employer for a limited period while you are off work.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) may be available if you cannot work because of an illness or disability. It can provide financial support while you are unable to work.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit that helps with living costs. You may be able to claim if you are on a low income, whether you are working, looking for work, or unable to work.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit may help with rent costs for some people, including those living in temporary or supported accommodation. In many cases, help with rent is included within Universal Credit.
Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance may be available if you spend a significant amount of time caring for someone who has a disability or health condition. You may also be entitled to additional support through Universal Credit.
Maternity Benefits
Maternity Benefits may be available if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby. The support available will depend on your employment status and personal circumstances.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits may be available if you have been injured at work or developed a health condition because of your job.
War Pension Scheme
War Pension Scheme may provide financial support if you were injured, disabled, or developed an illness because of your service in the Armed Forces before 6 April 2005.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme may provide compensation if you were injured or became ill because of your service in the Armed Forces on or after 6 April 2005.
Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction may help reduce the amount of Council Tax you need to pay if you are on a low income.
National Insurance Credits
National Insurance credits may help protect your entitlement to the State Pension if you cannot work because of illness or disability, or if you spend time caring for someone else.
Other Support for People with Disabilities
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to other help, for example, you might get cheaper public transport, parking concessions and practical help with care from your local council. You also have the right not to be discriminated against at work, or when you receive goods or services.