If you are experiencing problems with your money or benefits, we may be able to help you.
We understand that benefits can be complex and you might not be aware of the wide range of benefits you may be entitled to. Our employment and money advice team can provide information and advice on a wide range of welfare entitlements including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Child and Working Tax Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Attendance Allowance andPension Credits
We work closely with other agencies, so even if you are claiming the money you are entitled to, they may be able to help you to access other types of help – including debt advice, energy efficiency advice and tenancy support.
Sanctions
Sanctioning is when your benefits are stopped for failing to do something you have been asked, by the Job Centre, such as attending an interview or completing an application form.
Top Tips
- Maintain copies
- Keep track of dates
- Ask us for advice
Who can be sanctioned?
You can be sanctioned if you’re claiming:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (and you’re in the work-related activity group)
- Income Support
How can I avoid sanctions?
The best way to avoid sanctions is to do all the things that are set out in your claimant commitment or agreement. Here’s a checklist to help you:
Make sure you understand all your responsibilities
Ask your Work Coach or Jobcentre Adviser to explain anything that’s unclear
Let the Jobcentre know as soon as possible if there’s anything in your agreement that you can’t do and explain your reasons
Keep track of all the dates when you have to go to the Jobcentre and any other meetings you have to attend
Keep a record of all your activities that relate to your benefit requirements. For example, make a note of the time you spend looking for work and any jobs you apply for
- Keep a copy of anything the Jobcentre gives or sends you
How can I challenge a sanction?
You can ask the Jobcentre Plus to look again at their decision to sanction you if you think:
- They were wrong to sanction you
- They have deducted the wrong amount from your benefit
- They have given you the wrong level of sanction
- They have reduced your benefit for the wrong length of time
- If Jobcentre Plus refuses to change their decision, you can appeal against it.
How can I appeal against a benefit sanction?
You can contact our employment and money advice team on 0800 007 4567 or email ema.stafford@homesplus.co.uk or ema.shropshire@homesplus.co.uk for further help and support.
What else can we do?
There are other ways we can help if you are struggling with your money:
Help you to apply for money from trust funds or charities to assist with debts and bills;
Help you to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment if your Housing Benefit doesn’t cover all your rent
Advice on getting loans and saving money with your local credit union
To contact our employment and money advice team please call 0800 007 4567 or email ema.staffordshire@homesplus.co.uk or ema.shropshire@homesplus.co.uk