Hard-up families could be eligible for financial help

A charity is urging anyone struggling financially to see if they could get help from the state

New research reveals that despite the recovering economy, four out of five low-income households have seen no sign of their financial situation improving (Getty)

Despite holding down a full-time job, Linda Taylor was struggling. The 57 year old works for a non-profit housing association in Scunthorpe as a support officer for the over-55s. while her husband Dennis, 64, lives on a small pension.

But things were getting so tight with rising utility bills and council tax that the couple were forced to live off their overdraft every month and Dennis was looking to return to work, despite his age.

“We weren’t living the high life, far from it,” Linda says. “We couldn’t really afford decent food with council tax and rent taking most of my wages.” Part of Linda’s job is advising older people on how to claim for benefits they’re entitled to, but she little thought that she could be in line for financial help.

“Because I work full-time and Dennis was getting a small private pension, I thought that was it, I just had to struggle through. But a friend said she thought we could qualify for help and told me about a website where I could find out without having to talk to anyone. To be honest I was nervous about being turned down.”

She tries the online Turn2us Benefits Calculator, which suggested she could be eligible for Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Council Tax Support. “So I called and applied for benefits,” she said.

She was successful and the couple were handed backdated Council Tax payments, as well as ongoing payments of around £178 a month in benefits; comprising £120 in Housing Benefit, £50 in Council Tax Support and £8 in Working Tax Credit.

“It made a real difference and means we no longer need to go into the red every month,” Linda says. “We can afford to eat better and Dennis no longer has to think about coming out of retirement. It’s a real load off our minds.”

The couple’s struggles are being shared by millions across the country. New research reveals that despite the recovering economy, four out of five low-income households have seen no sign of their financial situation improving.

Meanwhile, households that have experienced just one change in their circumstances are now twice as likely to be struggling financially, according to the national charity Turn2us. It warns that since 2010, families have seen their disposable incomes drop by £400, while the gap between the richest and poorest fifth of households has widened.

Meanwhile nine out of 10 households that experienced just one change in their circumstances are struggling to pay for food and other essentials. Three-fifths said that the continuing struggle to cover costs was negatively affecting their health.

Despite their struggles, a third of low income households has not checked their entitlement to benefits, the charity says.

Alison Taylor, director of Turn2us, said: “Many low-income households are already struggling to afford basic goods, while just one change in their situation is enough to push them into real financial hardship.

“That change could be an unexpected bill, becoming ill, bereavement or losing your job. In these circumstances the benefits system is there to provide support, for people in-work and out-of-work, but many people are just not aware of the benefits they are entitled to.”

The charity is today launching Benefits Awareness Month to highlight the problem. “Through the campaign we hope to highlight the support available, so people are not left struggling without help, at a time they need it most,” said Ms Taylor.

The charity is encouraging everyone to check what financial support could be available by using its free, online Benefits Calculator at www.BenefitsAwareness.org.uk. The website also includes information on what support may be available if your financial circumstances change.