How to access help and support this winter:
Debt advice
StepChange Debt Charity www.stepchange.org Tel: 0800 138 1111
Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk/energy Tel: 0808 223 1133
Debt Advice Foundation www.debtadvicefoundation.org Tel: 0800 043 40 50
National Debtline www.nationaldebtline.org Tel: 0808 808 4000
PayPlan www.payplan.com Tel: 0800 280 2816
Benefits and financial support
Universal credit – If you have lost your job or had your hours reduced you may be eligible for universal credit. Support is available on freephone 0800 144 8444
Pension Credit – Pension credit gives extra money to help people of state pension age and on a low income, with living costs. Pension credit can also help with housing costs (ground rent, service charges etc) and is a passport benefit giving you access to free Tv Licence, warm home discount and NHS dental treatment. For more details on eligibility and how to apply visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit. The pension credit claim line is freephone 0800 99 1234
NHS prescriptions and health costs – Some people are eligible for free prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests as well as help towards other NHS costs (transport to appointments etc). For more information visit: www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs.
Turn2Us – A national charity which helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations www.turn2us.org.uk
Money advice & pensions service – Government funded debt advice, budgeting tools and money advice. Free impartial advice over the phone: 0800 138 7777
Council Tax Support – Households on low income with under £16,000 savings or capital (unless in receipt of Pension Credit) may qualify for a discount from their council tax bill up to 100% (Teignbridge is the only council to do this in the southwest). Call 01626 361101 or email revandbens@teignbridge.gov.uk
Discretionary housing payment – Can provide extra money to help residents in receipt of Housing benefit or the housing element of universal credit with housing costs including: Rent deposits Rent in advance Moving costs Rent arrears A shortfall between housing benefit and rent or housing costs included in universal credit and rent Payments are short term and social circumstance will be considered. To apply email: revandbens@teignbridge.gov.uk For more information visit: www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs.
Local services and support
Teign Aid -A not for profit community group set up to provide support and advice to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the Teignbridge area. Contact: teignaidinfo@gmail.com or 07835 706141
HITS Foodbank – Homeless In Teignbridge Support (HITS) food bank provides support for people in need throughout Teignbridge. They need a referral from an agency such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or Job Centre, who have assessed your need. The referrer must phone on 01626 906371.
Energy advice and support
Cosy Devon – Low-income households can apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes worth thousands of pounds. Improvements will also reduce their energy bills and lower their home’s carbon emissions. the scheme is available to residents who have an annual combined income of less than £30,000 and whose homes have an energy performance certificate rating of E, F or G. For more information visit: www.cosydevon.com
LEAP: The energy and money saving service – LEAP is a free service that is helping people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing them any money. For more information visit: www.applyforleap.org.uk
ECOE – Healthy Homes for Wellbeing – provides free energy and money saving advice for people living in Exeter, Mid Devon, East Devon, Teignbridge and Torbay. Home Energy Advisers will provide practical energy advice and support with the aim of helping as many residents save money and stay warm in their homes. They will help you with: tariff checks and supplier switching applying for the Warm Home Discount registering for Priority Services Register energy and water saving tips and advice grants for insulation and heating heating control advice smart meters referrals for help with benefits and debts For a referral form visit: www.ecoe.org.uk/healthy-homes-wellbeing/referral-form For free energy advice, call 0800 772 3617 or email healthyhomes@ecoe.org.uk. They aim to respond to your enquiry within 2 working days.
