Check your benefit entitlement

It's important to know what help and support is available. Even if you think that you're not eligible to claim any benefits, it could be worth checking using the tools below.

Claiming Benefits

Knowing which benefits you are eligible for can really help you make your money go further. Use the links below to get more information about:

Managed migration to Universal Credit

Some benefits are ending or have ended and being replaced by Universal Credit (UC). UC is a single monthly payment to help with your living costs and provides support if you are working and on a low income, looking for work or unable to work. The following benefits are ending or have ended and being replaced by Universal Credit:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

• Child Tax Credit

• Working Tax Credit

• Housing Benefit

• Income Support

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to people who receive these benefits to let them know that they need to claim UC instead. This letter - called a Migration Notice - explains what you need to do and when. It also provides information on the help available to continue receiving financial support from the government. It is important that you do not do anything until you receive your letter. You will not be moved automatically but don't worry, your letter will provide all the information you need to make the move to UC. Once you've received your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter, you'll need to make a claim for UC to continue to get financial support. There will be a deadline in your letter. This will be 3 months from the date the letter was sent out. Your current benefits will end as soon as you submit your claim for UC and you will not be able to go back to your existing benefit once you have claimed. There is lots of support available to help you with your move, including if you need help with your UC application or managing your income until you receive your first UC payment. Visit gov.uk/ucmove for more information.

For information about support available in your local area for migrating to Universal Credit, click here.

Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

We want to break down some of the barriers that stop people applying for Pension Credit. Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 a week for single pensioners, or £346.60 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who:

have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and
live in Great Britain

Someone may still get Pension Credit if they:

have not paid National Insurance contributions
have some savings or a small pension
live with their grown-up family
own their own home

People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:

a Winter Fuel Payment
help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount
help with rent and Council Tax
a free TV licence for those aged 75 or over
help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
reduced broadband and phone costs

The quickest to check your eligibility is by using the Pension Credit calculator. You can also call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 991234 (open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). Further Pension Credit application support is available for free in your local area.

Lightning Reach

Sunderland City Council have partnered with Lightning Reach to help residents access the financial support they are eligible for. Lightning Reach is a free, secure online portal that helps people find and apply for financial assistance - all in one place. Find out more on the Lightning Reach website.