Income Support
In October 2021, the government launched a new system to bring together means-tested benefits that were previously administered separately. These changes were intended to make it easier to apply for, administer and receive financial support by consolidating existing benefits and introducing a single point of contact – an Income Support Worker, based in Social Services. Additionally, the Social Services team has been working hard to ensure that access to financial assistance is as straightforward as possible.
Income Support
Income support provides assistance for eligible people in financial need, and is intended to help them to move towards becoming more independent and self-sufficient. You can apply for assistance at any time and, following assessment, you could receive a weekly or monthly lump sum direct to your bank account. Read about it here.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is designed to support people who need additional help with daily living, because of their long term physical and mental health needs. It provides financial means to pay another person or service, where this support is not provided by other government services. You can apply for assistance at any time and, following assessment, you could receive a weekly or monthly lump sum direct to your bank account. Attendance Allowance is not means tested. Find more information here.
Winter Fuel Allowance
The Winter Fuel Allowance is designed to help eligible applicants with heating costs during the winter months. It is based on total household income. Pensioners aged 65 or older, or people in receipt of either of the two higher levels of Attendance Allowance, can apply for this allowance. Find out more here.
Fuel and Power Allowance
The new allowance is to support eligible households with the rising costs of fuel and electricity. There is up to £140 per month available from the 1st December 2022 to the 31st May 2023. To be eligible, your total household income must be less than £43,200, with a partial allowance paid to households with incomes close to the threshold. To apply, you must be a usual resident, aged 16 or over. The deadline has been extended to the 31st December 2022. Applications received before this date will recieve back payments dated to the 1st December. This allowance will be treated as non-taxable. Applications received after the date will be assessed and paid for the months after the application is received. You can find the application form here.
Contact Income Support at