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Increase Your Income

Cost of Living Help

Increase Your Income

There are several ways that you might be able to increase your income, including claiming benefits you may be entitled to, moving into employment or changing your job.

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Updated 30/07/26

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. You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to. This will give you an estimate of:

  • the benefits you could get
  • how much your benefit payments could be
  • how your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
  • how your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change - for example, if you have a child or move in with your partner

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) provides short-term support if you are on a low income and facing a financial shock. It can help you meet essential living needs and support you to become more financially stable.

You may be able to get help if you cannot afford essential items due to a crisis, such as:

  • not having any food
  • not having gas or electricity
  • a sudden loss of income
  • benefit delays or reductions
  • under risk of losing your home
  • other emergencies, for example, illness, fire or family breakdown.

Support depends on your situation and may include:

  • food support or help accessing food
  • emergency gas or electricity support
  • essential household items (such as white goods or furniture)
  • short-term financial help in some cases
  • help to stay in your home or find accommodation.

You can apply if you:

  • live in Derby or have a local connection
  • are aged 16 or over
  • are responsible for your household costs
  • are experiencing an immediate financial shock

For more information and to apply, visit the Derby City Council website: www.derby.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/benefits/crisis-and-resilience-fund/

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 done online.

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

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

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 27 June 1960, you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a Winter Fuel Payment. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2026

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

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.

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

Disability Direct

Disability Direct provides a free service to help disabled people, older individuals and their carers navigate their way through the welfare system. Disability Direct’s Welfare Rights Service can support with the following:

  • DWP Form Completion
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payments
  • Carers Allowance
  • Employment Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • ESA50 / UC50 (Capability for Work Assessment)
  • Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals

For more information visit: https://disabilitydirect.com/welfare-rights/

Age UK Information Guides

Age UK offers a host of handy information guides and factsheets on a variety of subjects, specifically for older people. The whole range is available on the Age UK website.

In particular, you may find their 'More money in your pocket' guide useful, which outlines the different types of benefits that are available for older people and explains how to claim what you’re entitled to. It covers:

  • The State Pension
  • Getting help with your home
  • Getting help if you’re ill, disabled, or a carer
  • Getting help if you’re of working age.

It also lists useful organisations that offer further information and impartial advice to help you make sure you're claiming everything you can.

Download the More Money in your Pocket Information Guide from the Age UK website

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.
  • Volunteering can be a great way to develop your skills and experience. If you are interested in volunteering, you can search for local opportunities here, or follow the Volunteer Centre on Facebook: VolunteerCentreDerby and Instagram: @volunteercentrederby.
  • 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.