Benefits
There are a number of online tools and websites that can help either with debt advice, benefits help or welfare assistance.
Useful Links
Benefits calculator
https://ndh.entitledto.co.uk/home/start
Money Health Checker
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/health-check
Budget Planner
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner
Benefits Information
Help with Debts
North Devon Council
Housing Benefit
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01271 388877
Council Tax Reduction
www.northdevon.gov.uk/council-tax
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01271 388361
In person at Lynton House in Barnstaple, The Amory Centre in South Molton or at The Ilfracombe Centre
Tax Credits (HMRC)
www.gov.uk/manage-your-tax-credits
Telephone: 0345 300 3900
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit for working age people. It incorporates Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (income related) Housing Benefit and Tax Credits into one monthly payment made directly to you.
You will need to make your claim online at www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit.
Universal Credit is paid directly to you each month and includes money for your housing costs. You will need to make arrangements to pay your rent from your monthly payments.
You can read more about it and get help with your application via Citizens Advice Help to Claim service: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim
Food Banks
The Northern Devon food bank is part of a national network of food banks, run in partnership with local churches and organisations. At times of crises, for example if there is a delay in your benefit payments, the food bank will provide three days’ worth of emergency food.
You can get an emergency food voucher from various places around North Devon including North Devon Homes, The Freedom Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Once you have the voucher it can be swapped for a food parcel from one of the local collection points. Do not forget to take shopping bags with you so you can take your food home.
There are collection points at the following locations:
- St John’s Community Centre - Barnstaple
- Supreme House – Bideford
- The Salvation Army – Ilfracombe
- Duke Street – South Molton
You can find out more at www.northerndevon.foodbank.org.uk (If you are a North Devon Homes customer and are unable to get to a food bank location, please let us know as in emergencies we can arrange delivery of a food parcel to your home).
