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January 2023 January 2023

Do you qualify for financial assistance?
Qualifying for benefits can not only unlock income but could lead to additional
assistance where outgoings become reduced. Even if you think you are not
entitled to any assistance or have previously applied, you should still check if you
haven’t done so recently. It takes a few minutes and could have an impact on
your day-to-day life. Below are just some examples of where our Welfare Benefits
Team has helped residents.
An older council resident who did
not qualify for Pension Credit due to
his assets, was entitled to the highest
rate of Disability Living Allowance
where once he had a lower
amount. The rebanding of this
benefit unlocked £92 a week in
income, which in turn allowed him to
claim Pension credit, Housing Benefit
and Council Tax Support totalling
£220 a week. The entitlements also
led to a free TV licence, reduced
tariff utility bills, assistance with glasses, dental treatment and hospital transport.
The resident also got access to technological devices in his home to notify others
if he fell.
In another example, a resident with a learning disability who was assisted with a
benefit check when her circumstances changed, was owed tens of thousands of
pounds due to previous unanswered claims from the Department of Work and
Pensions. This led to an additional £180 benefits which unlocked Housing Benefit,
Council Tax Support, assistance with glasses, free dental treatment and
prescriptions as well as hospital transport.
The children of families with changing circumstances may be able to benefit from
free school meals if they qualify for certain benefits. In addition, school holiday
activities may become available and some after school activities become free.
The qualifying benefits includes Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s
Allowance, Child Tax and some Working Tax credits. Qualifying criteria
here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/free-school-meals

Speed Bumps
The Speed bumps in Bere Regis have been mended following some cracks and
disintegration. I have asked that a long-term plan for replacement be considered,
and I will report back on this in future reports

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