Public health news: Cost of living crisis

Public health news: March 2024

Pension Credit

Thousands of people in South Tyneside are missing out on Pension Credit payments.

You could be entitled to pension credit if you are over 66 years old and living on a low income. This tops up your state pension and could help you cover your costs. You may even qualify if you have some savings.

You can check your eligibility at GOV.UK: Pension credit or by calling 0800 991234.

For more information or assistance with the application process you can also call Citizens Advice on 0191 455 7958 or Welfare Support on 0300 123 663.

Universal Credit

If you claim tax credits and live in South Tyneside, you may receive a letter from the government inviting you to claim for Universal Credit. You will receive this letter if you:

• Receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
• Are of working age (including couples with one person of pension age)
• Do not receive Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income based Jobseekers Allowance and Income related Employment and Support Allowance

These letters are known as 'Migration Notices' and are part of a process called Managed Migration. They will be sent out from 8 January 2024.

You will need to move to Universal Credit if you've received a Migration Notice, as one or more of your benefits will be ending soon.

If you receive a 'Migration Notice' do not ignore it. Your Tax Credits will stop after 3 months.

Why you should claim Universal Credit

If you receive Tax Credits and live in South Tyneside you should claim Universal Credit to protect your income and other things like:

• Free school meals
• Help with prescriptions
• Cost of living payment

For more information, help and advice see: money advice.

Sim cards and data

The Good Things Foundation Data Bank is a free service to provide sim cards and data to residents in need. 

They also run a device service to provide free equipment. It is quick and easy to sign up.

Support with water bills

Lots of people might be missing out on help to save money on water bills.

There is a quick and easy way to check if you're eligible: NWL: Financial support eligibility checker

You could be eligible if:

• Household income is less that £17,005 (this is changing in spring 2024 to £23,933)
• 3 or more children are living in the property
• Someone in the household has a medical condition that needs lots of water
• Household income is not enough to pay essential bills
• Already have a water meter
• In receipt of benefits and financial support including Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit

Help with gas and electricity debt

Individuals and families can apply for grants to clear gas and electricity debts.

Before applying to the British Gas Energy Trust, they must get money or debt advice. 

For more information, see British Gas Energy Trust.