Welfare and benefits advice in Luton and Bedfordshire
Finding out what welfare benefits you and your family are eligible for can be a confusing and frustrating task, especially if English is not your first language. One Stop Advice Centre's friendly experts will help you understand what you are eligible for and help you with applications and form filling, mandatory reconsideration and help with appeals. In some circumstances, we may be able to support at tribunal hearings.
Below is a list of all the benefits that we can help you with, with links to where you can get more information and even start your applications. We recommend you have a look in advance of contacting us so you have some understanding of what you might be eligible for and what the applications require.
We also recommend you have a look at Luton Council's Benefits' Calculator as this may also help you in the process of applying.
Universal Credit
We can assist you in applying for UC including preparing for your application by helping you to gather all the information you need like your income and expenditure. Universal Credit is a single monthly payment that combines several benefits, including income support, housing benefit, and jobseeker’s allowance. It is designed to help people on a low income or out of work.
Housing Benefits
We can help determine whether you are eligible for housing benefits and help you apply. Housing Benefits are designed to a help with rental costs for those on a low income or claiming certain benefits. It is being phased out and replaced by the housing element of Universal Credit for most people, but we can assess this with you.
Council tax Reduction and Council Tax Hardship
You need to apply to Luton Council for Council Tax Reduction, available to those on low incomes with children. We will help you with this application as well as for Luton's Council tax Exceptional Hardship Scheme. Both need proof for income and expenditure as well as any special circumstances.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
If you, or a family member, are aged between 16 and UK state pension age (currently 66) and need additional help with daily living tasks or mobility due to a disability or long-term health condition, which is expected to last more than 12 months we can help you apply for Personal Independent Payments if you are eligible.
Carer's Allowance
There is a benefit we can help you apply for if you are caring for someone (it doesn't have to be a family member) for more than 35 hours per week, provided they are receiving disability benefits. We can help you, and those you are caring for, apply for the benefits you are entitled to.
State Pensions and Pensions Credits
We will help you apply for a state pension which is based on the national insurance contributions you have made throughout your working life. We can also help apply for Pension Credits, a means-tested additional benefit for people over state pension age (currently 660) if your weekly income if it is below a certain amount.
Bereavement Support Payments and Funeral Support
You can claim this benefit if you lose your spouse, civil partner, or the partner you were living with. You have to apply for this within three months of the death to receive the full payment and it may effect some of your benefits after 12 months. We will be able to explain all this to you and support you with your application at such a difficult time.
Funeral Support is a grant to help people on low-income benefits cover the costs of a funeral for a close relative or friend. It must usually be repaid from the deceased’s estate if possible.
We understand that every situation is unique, which is why our services are designed to address your needs, especially if English is not your first language. From reducing unnecessary spending to disputing benefit overpayments, we provide the tools and expertise you need to find a solution.
At One Stop Advice Centre, you’re never alone in facing life’s challenges. Let us help you take the first step toward a more secure and stress-free future.