Benefits and financial help

Benefits are essential to the welfare of many people, so it is important that you take up your full entitlement.

Vist the Department for Work and Pensions website for more information .

If you would like support to check what you are entitled to and to make a claim, please get in touch with the money advice service at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove - their contact details are below.

Get financial information and support 

There are reliable sources of information and advice available to help manage your finances. 

Cost of living help from West Sussex County Council - Access advice and practical support with the cost of living. You can also contact the community hub by phone on 0330 222 7980.

Citizens Advice - free, independent and confidential advice. You can find your local office by visiting the website.

Phone: 0808 278 7969 (open 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday)

Cost of living packs - Useful information, hints and tips  to help  West Sussex residents with the rise in the cost of living. Downloadable and fully interactive digital versions are available from the Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice website.

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove - free money advice service to help older people and their family and carers with general money matters, checking which benefits and payments you're entitled to and advice on managing the increases to the cost of living.

Phone: 0800 019 1310  (open 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday)
Email: info@ageukwsbh.org.uk  
Website:  ageuk.org.uk/westsussexbrightonhove 

Money Helper - Government-backed information and advice website on financial matters. There is also a free phone line 0800 138 7777 (open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday).

Which? - Independent information and advice on a range of financial matters, including managing cost of living increases and  later life finances.  

Paying for long-term care

You may also be considering the prospect of paying for long-term care at home or in a residential or nursing home and this can seem daunting.  Understanding all of your options will be vital to making an informed decision and choosing the right solution for you.

To help you do this, you can contact the Carewise care funding scheme   which provides information and advice about the most cost-effective way to pay your care fees.

Housing-related benefits

If you have housing needs, financial support may be available to help pay for the costs of housing, including Council Tax payments. Grants for home adaptations to meet your physical disabilities are also available in certain circumstances.

Find out more and get the right advice on the Benefits - GOV.UK website.