Benefits & Welfare

There have been a number of changes to the UK benefit system over the last couple of years, including the introduction of Universal Credit and the Benefit Cap.

We appreciate that this can often be a confusing and worrying time for tenants and hope that the articles, guides and advice services provided below will help answer many of your questions.

This information will be update regularly as more information is released.

Need help getting on-line?

Universal Credit claims are managed on-line. If you need help and advice to get on-line or improve your computer skills there are plenty of places around the city offering FREE wifi and training.

For more details and to find your nearest centre, contact Digital Brighton & Hove:

Telephone: 07475 946 084 | Email: digitalbh@citizensonline.org.uk | Website: www.digitalbrightonandhove.org.uk

Do you have children under 10 years old?

In the most recent Child Poverty Index it was estimated that 19.6% of Brighton & Hove’s dependent children are living in poverty. Brighton & Hove as a city has high rates of children in need, in care and with child protection plans and/or who have been referred to children’s social care services.

Pelican Parcels aims to provide all essentials from cots and clothes, toys and books, prams and play mats for families from birth up to the age of 10.

If you need help, please ask your health visitor, children’s centre or social worker to contact us and make a referral on your behalf.

Email: pelicanparcels@outlook.com | Website: www.pelicanparcels.org.uk

Welfare Reform and Benefit Changes

With so many changes to the benefit system it can often be difficult to find the right information and advice. In this section you will find a selection of information guides alongside links to a variety of organisations that can help and guide you through the whole process.

A guide to the Benefit Cap and how it works

Information guide to welfare reform

A complete guide to Universal Credit

The latest updates and how they affect Brighton residents

Benefit calculators

Independent advice on benefits, debt and housing

Free and impartial financial advice

National charity helping people in financial hardship

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Advice UK have compiled a summary of national advice services covering a whole range of topics

Advice Brighton & Hove also provide a local summary of services in our area

Tips & tools to help your money go further

Do you struggle to manage your money, don’t know how to budget and regularly run out of money before pay day? In this section we have put together a selection of money saving ideas and tips.

Switching your supplier can often save you money. These are the leading comparison sites

Community Centres

Throughout the city there are a large number of community centres providing a wide range of services. Whether you’re looking for careers advice, free training courses, support groups, lunch clubs or simply a cup of tea and a chat.