Income Maximisation
You may be missing out on benefits. To check your entitlement to benefits, a benefit calculation is a great tool to use.
The GOV.UK website offers independent advice regarding benefit calculations and how to use them.
Use this link to check your entitlement: Benefits calculators - GOV.UK
Housing Benefit
If you are on a low income, or claim benefits, you may be able to claim Housing Benefit to help pay some or all your rent.
If you own your home, you cannot claim Housing Benefit. You may be able to claim Support for Mortgage Interest: Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI): Overview - GOV.UK
Most people cannot make a claim for Housing Benefit, unless they meet the following criteria:
- You or you partner (if this is applicable) have reached State Pension age
- You or your partner have been claiming Pension Credit prior to 15 May 2019
- You live in temporary accommodation
- Your landlord is a council, charity or housing association and you receive care or support from them
If you are not able to make a claim for Housing Benefit, you may be able to make a claim for Universal Credit instead: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK
If you can make a claim for Housing Benefit, there is certain criteria that must be met in addition to the above criteria:
- You must be aged 16, or 18 if you have lived in care
- On a low income, or claiming other benefits
- Your savings normally have to be below £16,000 or in certain circumstances you must be receiving the guarantee part of Pension Credit
If you are regarded as a mixed age couple, which is where one person is over State Pension age and one person is under State Pension age, you may not be able to claim Housing Benefit, and you may have to make a claim for Universal Credit instead.
As a mixed age couple if you are already claiming Housing Benefit, you can normally still receive it unless your circumstances change. The older partner can make a claim for Housing Benefit if the following applies:
- They reached State Pension age before 15 May 2019
- They’ve been claiming Pension Credit before 15 May 2019
If you have a partner, when applying for Housing Benefit, you will need to declare your circumstances and theirs. The benefit department will decide on how much Housing Benefit can be awarded.
If you have unoccupied rooms, are under State Pension age and have social housing, you may be subject to the bedroom tax. Shelter Cymru has further information about this: The bedroom tax - Shelter Cymru
If Housing Benefit does not cover your full rent, you may be able to make an application for help to top your rent up via a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP): Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
There may be other circumstances that can impact your eligibility to claim Housing Benefit. The GOV.UK website offers further advice: Housing Benefit: Eligibility - GOV.UK
If you wish to make a claim for Housing Benefit, you can do so via the Merthyr Tydfil Council website: How to claim Housing Benefit | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Council Tax
You may be eligible for discounts on your Council Tax. There are different types of discounts.
Anyone who is under the age of 18, is not liable to pay Council Tax. You and your partner (if applicable) will be liable to pay Council Tax for your property.
In certain circumstances, the owner of the property will be liable to pay Council Tax and not the person living in the property:
- The property is a Housing Multiple Occupancy (HMO)
- Everyone in the property is under the age of 18
- People who are staying in the property have their main home somewhere else
The above list is not exhaustive of all cases; however, it provides a brief description of when people may not be liable to pay Council Tax. The revenues department at Merthyr Tydfil Council will be able to provide further information if required: Council Tax | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
The amount of Council Tax that you must pay depends on what band your property falls into. You can check your Council Tax bank on the GOV.UK website: Check your Council Tax band - GOV.UK
Single Person's Discount
If you are the only adult living in a property which is your sole or main residence you are entitled to a discount of 25%.
Disregarded Person's Discount
In certain circumstances, when it comes to Council Tax, people may be disregarded, and do not count towards the number of adults living at a property:
- Aged 17 and under
- Prisoners
- People who may be deemed as having Severe Mental Impairment (SMI)
- Full time students
- Student nurses
- Spouse/dependent of a student who is a non-British Citizen, who cannot work or claim benefits in the United Kingdom due to their immigration status
- Apprentices and youth training trainees
- Patients in hospital
- Those who live in care homes/nursing homes and they receive care/treatment
- People who are staying in certain hostels or night shelters
- 18/19-year-olds who are in full time education (school/college)
- Carers – if they are caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner or child under 18
- Diplomats
- Members and dependants of visiting armed forces
- Members of religious communities (e.g. monks and nuns)
- People who are aged 18 and someone is claiming Child Benefit for them- this includes school or college leavers in remunerative work or a person in care of the local authority
- School or college leavers under aged 20 who have left education after 30 April- they will usually be disregarded until 1 November, the same year, regardless of if they take up employment or not
The bill for a property where one of two residents is not counted will be the same as that for a property with only one resident, i.e. you will receive a 25% discount.
Disabled Person's Reduction
If you have certain facilities in your home because you have, or someone who lives with you has a disability, you may be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax bill.
In this context 'Disabled person' means a person who is substantially and permanently disabled. They can be an adult or a child and do not have to be responsible for paying the Council Tax bill.
This reduction means your property will be considered in the valuation band immediately below the actual band shown in the valuation list. As an example, if your property is Band E, the bill would be amended as if it was a Band D property. This also applies to properties that are in Band A.
You may be eligible:
- If you have an additional bathroom or kitchen to meet the needs of the disabled person
- If a room (other than bathroom, kitchen or toilet) to meet the needs of, and used mainly by, the disabled person is needed. The room or wheelchair must be essential, or of major importance, to the disabled person's well-being due to the nature and extent of their disability.
- If extra space inside the property to allow for the use of a wheelchair. Wheelchairs for outdoor use only are excluded. An extra room does not need to have been specially built, but your home will not qualify for a reduction unless the room is essential or of major importance to the disabled person.
You can make an application for disabled persons reduction here via Merthyr Tydfil Council website: Council Tax Disabled Band Reductions | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Holiday Homes/Second Homes
If you have a holiday home or second home:
- You may be subject to premium Council Tax which is an extra charge for Council Tax
- You may be able to receive a discount on your Council Tax
It is best to seek advice from Merthyr Tydfil Council revenues department, you can contact them here: Council Tax | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Council Tax Reduction
You may be able to pay less Council Tax or none, depending on your circumstances. If you have a partner, their circumstances are also considered if you live together.
If you’re on a low income or claiming benefits, you may be eligible to receive a Council Tax Reduction.
Your savings usually have to be below £16,000, and you usually must be liable to pay Council Tax at your property.
If you are over State Pension age, and receive the guarantee part of Pension Credit, you may be able to have more than £16,000 in savings.
There isn’t a set rate on Council Tax Reduction. It is normally based on your circumstances.
You can check your entitlement by completing a benefit calculation: Benefits calculators - GOV.UK
You can make an application for Council Tax Reduction via Merthyr Tydfil Council website: Apply for Council Tax Reduction | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Severe Mental Impairment (SMI)
Anyone who is medically certified as being Severely Mentally Impaired (SMI) may be eligible to Council Tax discount.
This means that the person will have a permanent condition that severely affects their intellectual and social functioning.
Conditions that can lead to severe mental impairment include Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Parkinson’s disease, severe learning difficulties or a stroke, but many others may apply.
To be eligible, the person must be diagnosed as SMI by a doctor and must also be entitled to certain benefits (whether receiving them or not).
The level of reduction, depends on circumstances:
- If you have been diagnosed as SMI by a doctor and you are living alone or only with others who are SMI, you will be exempt from paying Council Tax
- If you have been diagnosed as SMI by a doctor and you live with one adult who is eligible to pay Council Tax, your household will receive a 25% reduction
- If you have been diagnosed as SMI by a doctor and you live with 2 or more adults who are eligible to pay Council Tax there will be no reduction
You can apply for SMI via this form: Council Tax Discount Form for the Severely Mentally Impaired
Students
If you are a student, you may be exempt from paying Council Tax in certain circumstances. You normally must be classed as a full-time student.
You are likely to be exempt if:
- You live in a flat, bedsit or house by yourself
- With other students only
- In halls of residence
Regarding the above conditions, the property will normally be exempt from Council Tax if you leave it unoccupied (holidays, out of term time etc).
If the property had been occupied for at least six weeks, the exemption can last up to four months from when the property was last occupied.
If you live with someone who is not a student, you will not be counted towards the Council Tax bill.
To be classed as a full-time student, there is certain criteria that must be met.
Your course must:
- Last at least one year
- Studying hours of at least 21 hours per week
OR:
You must be under 20, studying for qualifications up to A Level and your course must:
- Last at least three months
- Studying hours of at least 12 hours per week
OR:
You are an international student who is:
- Not a British Citizen
- Unable to work or claim benefits whilst in the UK due to immigration rules
For further information, you can contact the revenues department at Merthyr Tydfil Council: Council Tax | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Working Tax Credit
Most people are unable to make a claim for Working Tax Credits as this has been replaced by Universal Credit. There will be no further Tax Credit payments after 5 April 2025. You will be sent a letter before this date regarding Universal Credit or Pension Credit instead. You can find out further information about the ending of Tax Credits on the GOV.UK website: End your tax credits: Overview - GOV.UK
If you are currently receiving Child Tax Credits, you can add Working Tax Credits to your claim.
For further advice on Tax Credits, you can contact the Tax Credit helpline: Tax credits: general enquiries - GOV.UK
Normally to get Working Tax Credits, you must be on a low income, and work at least 16 hours a week. Depending on your circumstances, the income you may earn and hours you are expected to work, may vary.
Further information about Tax Credits can be found via the GOV.UK website: Tax credits: detailed information - GOV.UK
Child Tax Credit
Most people are unable to make a claim for Child Tax Credits as this has been replaced by Universal Credit. There will be no further Tax Credit payments after 5 April 2025. You will be sent a letter before this date regarding Universal Credit or Pension Credit instead. You can find out further information about the ending of Tax Credits on the GOV.UK website: End your tax credits: Overview - GOV.UK
Child Tax Credits can usually be claimed for each child you’re responsible for until the 31 August after they turn 16.
The award amount depends on your circumstances:
- How many children you have
- Whether you have an active Child Tax Credits Claim
- When your children were born
The child will need to be under 16 for Child Tax Credits to be claimed. If the child is between 16 – 20, they will have to be in full time approved education or training.
You don't need to be working to claim Child Tax Credit. You get money for each child that qualifies, and Child Tax Credit won't affect your Child Benefit.
For further information on Child Tax Credit, you can find this on the GOV.UK website: Child Tax Credit: Overview - GOV.UK
Universal Credit
Universal Credit was firstly introduced in 2013, as a benefit that would end legacy benefits. The government has set out a plan to migrate everyone from legacy benefits to Universal Credit by 2029.
Universal Credit is paid monthly. In some cases, such as budgeting issues, health conditions etc, you may be able to ask for payments to be paid fortnightly.
Further information on Universal Credit can be found via the GOV.UK website: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK
Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and Tax Credits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit is made up of elements. Elements can vary claim to claim, as the amount of elements that are awarded are dependent on your circumstances.
Universal Credit is primarily a benefit for people that are out of work, cannot work, and are on a low income.
If you claim legacy benefits, you do not need to do anything regarding moving to Universal Credit, you will migrate over naturally, unless you have a change in circumstances that will trigger a move to Universal Credit, or you receive a migration notice to state that you must claim Universal Credit within three months.
You would have to migrate within three months to continue to get financial support. If you do not migrate, there is a chance your current benefits would stop straight away, and then you would have to make a claim for Universal Credit.
There are different eligibility rules if you have received a migration notice, rather than if you migrate naturally or if you have a change in circumstances. The eligibility criteria will depend on your circumstances. This can be complex and specialist advice may need to be sought.
Further information regarding the migration and what to do can be found here: Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter - GOV.UK
It may take up to five weeks for your Universal Credit claim to start.
There may be a run on for a few weeks for certain benefits in between the transition to Universal Credit.
This only applies for:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
The run-on payments will not need to be paid back and they will not impact Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is a benefit that can be claimed by people from aged 18 to State Pension age. When someone is due to reach State Pension Age, Universal Credit will send out a notification a few months before their birthday to inform them that their claim will stop, and they will have to claim other benefits. Other benefits would normally be Housing Benefit, Pension Credit etc. Universal Credit does have what is called special exceptions, where people can claim before aged 18.
Special exceptions would be having a child, estranged from parents, in foster care, limited capability for work, pregnancy (in some cases), caring responsibilities including those for a disabled child. There are other exceptions, this list is not exhaustive, but to give you an idea.
You must live in the United Kingdom to claim Universal Credit.
You must have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments to claim Universal Credit. There are capital limits regarding Universal Credit.
If you live jointly with your partner, you will have to claim jointly, even if your partner is not eligible for the benefit. Your partner’s savings, income, capital etc, will also be considered, when making a claim for Universal Credit. If one of you is under State Pension age, and one of you is over State Pension age, this is a mixed age couple. A claim for Universal Credit can still be made, it will stop when both of you reach State Pension age.
A claim for Universal Credit can be made online. You will need to create an account. This is what is referred to as the journal. Once the claim is submitted, there will be a to do list to be completed, if this is not completed within 28 days, the account can be closed.
For a joint claim, you will both need to create accounts and link them.
Universal Credit also operate a telephone claim line if a claim cannot be made online.
To apply online, you will need:
- Bank, building society or credit union account details
- An email address
- Access to a phone
If you do not have these, you can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a jobcentre.
You can also get support from the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.
You also must prove your identity. You will need some identity documents for this, for example:
- Driving licence
- Passport
- Debit or credit card
- Payslip or P60
To complete the claim, you will need to provide information about:
- Housing for example how much rent you pay
- Earnings, for example payslips
- Any disability or health condition that affects your ability to work
- How much you pay for childcare if you need help with childcare costs
- Savings and any investments, like shares or a property that you rent out
You might need an appointment with the Universal Credit team if:
- They need more information
- They cannot verify your identity online
You will be told if this appointment will be in a jobcentre or on the phone.
You will have to go to a meeting to agree the activities in your claimant commitment before you can get your first payment.
Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free.
Universal Credit helpline
Universal Credit helpline
Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Help to Claim
You can get free support from trained advisers to make a Universal Credit claim. They can help with things like online applications or preparing for the first jobcentre appointment.
The Help to Claim service is provided by Citizens Advice and is confidential. They will not share personal information unless the claimant agrees.
Help to Claim phone service:
Advisers are available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday:
Wales: 08000 241 220
Carer Benefits
If you are a carer, you may be able to get Carers Allowance / Carers Element of Universal Credit to help you look after someone with substantial caring needs.
You don't have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. You need to be aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for them. The person you are caring for, must receive qualifying benefits for their health.
Further information on Carers Allowance can be found via the GOV.UK website: Carer's Allowance: How it works - GOV.UK
The Carers Element of Universal Credit is added to your claim. Further information can be found via the GOV.UK website: Universal Credit: What you'll get - GOV.UK
If you're caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could get Carer's Credit.
This is a National Insurance credit that helps build your entitlement to the basic State Pension and additional State Pension. It makes sure there are no gaps in your National Insurance record.
For further information on Carers Credit, you can visit the GOV.UK website: Carer's Credit: Overview - GOV.UK
Local Support
If you are needing local benefit support and advice, you can access this via the Town Centre Hub.
Within the Town Centre Hub, there is a Welfare Benefits Service that can help with any benefit related queries and can provide advice with benefits.
There is a drop in service offered on a Tuesday between 9am-4pm, and a Wednesday between 10am-4pm.
The Town Centre Hub is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am-5pm, 10am-5pm on a Wednesday, 9am-4.30pm on a Friday.
The Town Centre Hub address is below:
3 Newmarket Walk
St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8EL
Contact details for the Town Centre Hub are below:
Contact number -01685 725 455 – Operational Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am-5pm, 10am-5pm on a Wednesday, 9am-4.30pm on a Friday.
Email address – Towncentrehub@merthyr.gov.uk A response may take up to 24 hours.
You can also visit the Facebook page for updates: Town Centre Hub Merthyr Tydfil | Merthyr Tydfil | Facebook