You can also get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit application forms as well as independent benefits advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday:
The West Wing Town Hall Bourne Avenue Bournemouth BH2 6DY
Advice centres like the Citizens' Advice Bureau and law centres can represent you and help you to understand the reasons for decisions about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. They may be able to help you fill in forms or to write a letter.
Solicitors can also give you advice - you may be able to get this advice under the 'Legal Advice and Assistance Scheme'. You can find out about this from a solicitor.
You can get application forms and more information about other benefits from the appropriate Central Government Offices (Department for Work & Pensions and the Jobcentre Plus) at:
If you are on a low income or have no income at all, you may be entitled to receive help from the Government. The main benefits are as follows:
Income Support
You can only claim Income Support if you live in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland and you are:
sick or disabled;
a single parent or single foster parent;
getting Invalid Care Allowance for looking after someone.
Your entitlement to Income Support is worked out taking account of your (and your partner's) income, savings and personal circumstances. If you have savings and investments of more than £16,000, you will not qualify for this benefit.
However, if you start working for more than 16 hours a week, or your partner works for 24 hours or more a week, your Income Support will stop.
For more information about Income Support, you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions at the address shown above.
Pension Credits
If you are aged 60 or over, you may be entitled to Pension Credits. Please contact the Pension Service on the telephone number or website shown above.
Jobseeker's Allowance
If you are unemployed and looking for work, you may be able to get Jobseeker's Allowance. This benefit replaced Unemployment Benefit and Income Support for people who are unemployed.
If you have paid enough National Insurance contributions, you may be able to get contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance for up to six months. If you are not entitled to contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or if it does not meet your needs, you may qualify for income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
For more information about JSA you should contact the Employment Service Jobcentres at Bournemouth, 181-187 Old Christchurch Road, Tel: 01202 276000 or Winton, 609 Wimborne Road, Tel: 01202 275900.
Tax Credits:
Working Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit is for people who are in paid work, who:
work 16 hours or more a week
are paid for that work, and
expect to work for at least 4 weeks
AND who are:
aged 16 or over and responsible for at least one child, or
aged 16 or over and disabled, or
aged 25 or over and usually work at least 30 hours a week
As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for help towards the costs of childcare.
Child Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit is for people who are responsible for at least one child or qualifying young person.
The amount of tax credits you receive will depend on your annual income & circumstances.
For more information about Tax Credits and/or to apply on-line please visit the Tax Creditswebsite www.hmrc.gov.uk/menus/credits.htm. Or you can contact the Inland Revenue direct on 0845 300 3900 (textphone 0845 300 3909).
Travel Concessions
Concessions on bus faresare available to people in certain categories, to find out more information and see if you are eligible.