Benefits, Debt & Housing Support
Welcome to our benefits and debt help department.On this page we aim to help and provide information on the benefits available both locally and nationwide.
Pregnancy
Parenting
Benefits, Debt & Housing
Local Health
KCC Families and Education
Local Child Care
B48s Learning Zone
Kidz Zone
|
◊ ![]() ◊ Domestic Violence ◊ Homeless ◊ Toddler Groups ◊ Child Safety ◊ Health, Disabilities and Special Needs ◊ Whats on Where ◊ Local Organisations ◊ B48s Groups ◊ E-Government ◊ Kent C.F.I.S ◊ Young People ◊ Rural Community info ◊ First Aid Audio Downloads ◊ Travel ![]() ![]() ◊ Viewing advice ◊ About Us ◊ Disclaimer ◊ Privacy Policy ◊ Sitemap ◊ Fundraising & Donations ◊ Contact Us |
Benefits, Debt & Housing SupportWelcome to our benefits and debt help department.On this page we aim to help and provide information on the benefits available both locally and nationwide. BenefitsChild BenefitMake sure you and your family get what you're entitled to. Child Benefit – Date of next paymentIf you are already getting Child Benefit every four weeks you can check when your next payment is due.
Child Maintenance OptionsFind out about your options for making the maintenance arrangement best suited to your circumstances.
Child Support Agency - Child MaintenanceWe make sure parents who live apart from their children contribute financially to their upkeep by paying child maintenance. Independent Case ExaminerThe Independent Case Examiner (ICE) was set up in 1997 to investigate complaints about the Child Support Agency (CSA).
Child Trust FundChild Trust Fund (CTF) is a savings and investment account for children. Children born on or after 1 September 2002 will receive a £250 voucher to start their account. The account belongs to the child and can't be touched until they turn 18, so that children have some money behind them to start their adult life. Crisis LoanIf you need financial help with an emergency or disaster you may be able to get a Crisis Loan; the interest-free loan from the Social Fund that you pay back.
Guardian’s AllowanceGuardian's Allowance is a tax-free payment for people who are bringing up children whose parents have died. In certain circumstances you may qualify for Guardian's Allowance where only one parent has died.
Housing BenefitIf you're on a low income, whether you're working or not, and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent, you may be able to get Housing Benefit. Find out more, including who is eligible and how to claim.
Income SupportThis is extra money to help people on a low income.
Job Seekers AllowanceJobseeker's Allowance is the main benefit for people who are out of work. If you are eligible it is paid when you don't have a job and are looking for work.
Health in Pregnancy GrantYou can now claim a one-off, tax-free payment from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you're a mum-to-be who's at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called 'Health in Pregnancy Grant' and is to help you prepare for the birth of your baby.
SureStart Maternity GrantThis is a one-off payment to help pay for things you need for a new baby if you are on a low income. The grant is tax-free and does not have to be paid back.
Statutory Maternity PayTo help you to take time off work both before and after your baby is born, you may be able to get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), a weekly payment from your employer.
Maternity AllowanceIf you're pregnant or have a new baby but don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance (MA). Tax CreditsMaking it easier to find out if tax credits can help you and your family. Tax Credits CalculatorUsing this calculator will help you to find out roughly how much tax credits you might be entitled to.
Bereavement BenefitsThere are three types of bereavement benefit. These may be payable on the death of a husband, wife or civil partner. Whether you are entitled will depend on the National Insurance contributions your partner paid. Kent Benefits PartnershipsAn organisation set up by Kent County Council. We are here to inform people about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit and to help people apply for these benefits. We can help you find out whether you might get help over the telephone. We can come and see you to help fill in the forms and see the documents we need in support of your form. turn2usturn2us is a new charity helping people to find out about the charitable grants and state benefits they may be entitled to. Citizens Advice BureauThe online CAB service that provides independent advice on your rights
Debt
Dealing with debt problemsIf you're in debt and you are finding it hard to cope, it's important to deal with the problem straight away - the longer you ignore your debts, the worse the situation becomes.
Managing DebtInformation from DirectGov on managing debts and arrears.
Credit ActionIf you are looking for advice about money management you are in the right place. Credit Action is a national money education charity and this website will tell you everything you are looking for.
Citizens Advice BureauThe online CAB service that provides independent advice on your rights
SamaritansYour local Samaritans office is: RelateRelate offers a wide range of services for couples, families and individuals. We support people through all stages of their relationships and you can access our support on your own or with others, face-to-face, on the phone or on the internet. Homeless
Shepway District Council Homeless Persons Unit (HPU)SDC's HPU is located at: Homeless UKInformation on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.
Folkestone Rainbow CentreA personal crisis can be more difficult to cope with than a physical illness. It can lead to depression, isolation and hopelessness. By offering well trained counsellors, the Rainbow Centre provides vital help and support at this important time in people's lives. Through listening, sharing and supportive understanding, burdens lighten, the pain can be faced and confidence gained for the future.
ShelterYour local Shelter office is:
SamaritansYour local Samaritans office is: Leave a comment |