West Lothian Council delivers

Can the Welfare Rights service represent me at court?

Yes, the welfare rights team can represent you in court, but we can only represent you in debt cases or with certain housing issues.

Can welfare rights advise on things like matrimonial problems or wills?

No. The welfare rights service cannot advise on issues like matrimonial problems which are normally dealt with by a private solicitor.

How is Income Support calculated?

Income Support is calculated by looking at your applicable amount. This term ('applicable amount') is used to define the level of income support paid to an individual or family. The calculation is based on your age, marital status and any children. Additional amounts can be added to the calculation for family members who are in ill health or who are disabled. Applicable amounts are set each year by the Government and it is the lowest amount that a person should be expected to live on.

I have recently become unemployed. Can I get help with paying my rent/Council Tax ?

Yes, you may be entitled to help, if you have been recently made unemployed. You should contact the welfare rights service as soon as possible.

I receive full Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, but I am still struggling financially. Can I still get a Discretionary Housing Payment?

No, the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme is aimed at topping up any payment of housing or council tax benefit. If your housing benefit covers your full rent (less any service charges) you are not entitled to a DHP. If your Council Tax Benefit covers your full Council Tax charge then you are not entitled to a DHP. Remember that your Council Tax Benefit does not cover your water charges and water charges are not eligible for a DHP either.

What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?

Discretionary housing payments help those who are in receipt of some (but not full) housing or council tax benefits to meet the cost of their rent. However, if your current housing benefit covers your full rent (i.e. the amount that your landlord charges you less service charges ), you will not be eligible for a discretionary housing payment. Each case is assessed on its own merit - you are not automatically entitled to a discretionary housing payment, and you will not be entitled to a discretionary housing payment if you are already in receipt of full housing and council tax benefit.

What is Disability Living Allowance?

Disability Living Allowance is intended to assist people who need help because of their illness or disability, and whose need for help has arisen before the age of 65 years. The person claiming does not need to have paid national insurance contributions, nor does it matter what other sources of income or savings they have - so, for example, benefit may be paid in addition to Incapacity Benefit or Retirement Pension.

What is Income Support?

Income support is a means-tested benefit. It is available to people that are not in full-time work. If you work 16 hours or less or your partner works less than 24 hours a week, you may be entitled to claim.

What is Pension Credit?

The Pension Credit is a new benefit which has two parts, the guarantee credit and the savings credit. The guarantee credit replaces Income Support for people over 60 and is intended to help with basic living expenses. It guarantees an income of £102.10 for a single person and £155.80 for a couple a week. It is available for people who are not in full-time work and who are resident in the UK. Unlike Income Support there is no upper savings limit. There is an additional payment called savings credit which is available for pensioners who are over 65 who have put money aside for their retirement. Pension Credit does not give allowances for dependant children.

What is the difference between Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a disability benefit for claimants 65 and over and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is for claimants under 65.

What sort of help can the Welfare Rights Service give me?

The welfare rights service can carry out a benefit check to ensure that you are receiving your correct benefit entitlement. They can also assist you in dealing with social security and can represent you at social security appeal tribunals. The service can give you advice about your housing benefit claim or your council tax bill. They can also advise you if you are in dispute with your employer.

Who is entitled to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment?

You can apply for a discretionary housing payment if you are resident in the council area and if you are not receiving full Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.

Who is entitled to Income Support?

Income Support is paid to people who are not in full-time work, who are over 16, who have less than £8000 savings and who are resident in the UK. It can be paid to people who are unable to work due to illness, childcare responsibilities or because they are caring for someone; it is also available to some students and some people on training courses. The best way to check if you are entitled is to make a claim.

Will I still be entitled to claim attendance allowance if I receive free personal care?

Being in receipt of free personal care makes no difference to any of your other benefits. You will still be able to apply for attendance allowance. If you already receive attendance allowance it will still be paid to you.

Will I still be entitled to free personal care if I own my own home, have savings and a private pension?

If you are assessed as needing personal care, this will be provided free no matter what your income, capital assets or marital status.