Increase Your Income

Benefits

Claiming the benefits and tax credits you are entitled to is one way to increase your income.

There are different forms of support available depending on your individual and family circumstances. For example, whether you are in work or out of work, are of working age or of pension age, have a disability, or if you have children or other caring responsibilities. 

It is important that people receive the support they are entitled to, so it’s worth checking you are claiming what you can.

Benefits Calculator

A benefits calculator can be a good way of checking you are claiming everything you should be.

The following are free to use, and completely anonymous:

• entitledto - for information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, council tax reduction, carer’s allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.
• Turn2us - for information on income-related benefits, tax credits, council tax reduction, carer’s allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
• Policy in Practice - for information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, council tax reduction, carer’s allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.

Before you get started, it’s a good idea to make sure you know:

• Your total income from any earnings you have
• What your rent is
• Your council tax band
• The cost of your childcare.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or if you cannot work.

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Pension Credit

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging hundreds of thousands of pensioners to apply for Pension Credit, a benefit that could provide an average of £3,900 per year.

Checking your eligibility is quick, easy and can be checked online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234.

This year, those who qualify for Pension Credit will also be automatically eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, providing further support during the colder months. The deadline to submit a backdated claim and receive the Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December.

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 22 September 1958 (for 2024-25). To be eligible for these payments you must also be claiming one of the following:

• Universal Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support

Check your eligibility for Pension Credit online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234.

Derby Advice Welfare Team

The Welfare Rights team provide free, confidential and independent advice on welfare benefits for all Derby residents, including:

• Income Support
• Job Seekers Allowance
• Council Tax Benefit
• Pension Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Universal Credit.

Support can also be provided for any residents who appeal decisions and need representation at tribunals.

Email: derby.advice@derbyhomes.org or call 01332 643394.

Advice 4 All - St James Centre

Advice 4 All at the St James Centre offers advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment, health, disability, and general advice in English and bilingually in Asian and Eastern European languages (charges may apply).

They can offer a free 30-minute advice session if you:

• Are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis
• Need help with energy advice or costs
• Are a member of the Roma Community.

Pop in to St James Centre, Malcolm Street, Normanton, Derby DE23 8LU, call 01332 604080 or email Reception@stjamescentre.org

Citizens Advice Mid Mercia

Citizens Advice Mid Mercia offers advice on benefits, debt, employment, housing, immigration (OISC Level 1), families, utilities, and consumer issues to people in South Derbyshire, Derby City, East Staffordshire, and Tamworth.

• Advice line 08082 787972 from Monday to Friday at 10am to 4pm
• Help to claim support for Universal Credit applications (0800 1448444) 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday

Direct Health and Advice (DHA)

DHA is an independent charity working across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. If you are a Derby resident over the age of 19, you can contact DHA for a Free Money Health Check.

What you get:

• A benefit check to identify any missing entitlement
• Debt advice / guidance
• Advice on priority bills
• Information on schemes that may reduce your household bills
• Tips on budgeting effectively.

Free SIM cards when you complete a short course.

Every Tuesday between 10am and 4pm at DHA, Phoenix Street, Derby DE1 2ER.

To book an appointment call 07752575247, email training@dhadvice.org or visit www.dhadvice.org

Disability Direct

Disability Direct offer disability benefits advice, form filling and appeal/tribunal support for disabled people and carers.

• The drop-in centre is open Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 4.30pm at 46 Babington Lane Derby DE1 1SX.
• Phone lines only on Thursdays and Fridays - 01332 299449.

Jobs and Skills

Moving into employment, changing your job, taking part in training and developing your skills could help you increase your income.

• Derby Jobs Weekly is a newsletter designed for people who are looking for employment. It presents a snapshot of key employment opportunities available to apply for, in and around the Derby area.
• The Derby Employment Hub has been set up to provide one-to-one personal coaching support and advice, to help unemployed people get into work.
• Volunteering can be a great way to develop your skills and experience. If you are interested in volunteering, the Volunteer Centre at Community Action can help. Call 01332 342272 or email volunteer@communityactionderby.org.uk
• The Derby Adult Learning Service offers learning opportunities for adults including employability and vocational skills courses.
• Community Action has a Jobs page on the website, which contains current vacancies at Community Action, as well as jobs in other local voluntary and community organisations.
• Derby City Council also has a Job Vacancies page on their website, containing roles available at the Council.
• The Revive Centre Charity has a Job Club available to residents of Derwent and  Chaddesden, which offers help on the journey towards work with job searching, CV creation, online courses, job applications, interview skills, work experience  and researching apprenticeships.