Check your benefits

Did you know that on your 66^th birthday, if you claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), then this will come to an end. Without ESA, your entitlement to Housing Benefit ends too. This means that your rent will not be paid and your rent account with us will be in arrears. Speak to your support worker or Appointee if you have one, and they can help you to ensure that this does not happen.

If you turn 66 this year then you will need to:

• Ask your support staff to help you apply for your pension. You will receive a letter from the DWP 3 months before your birthday, inviting you to claim. If you have access to a computer, you can complete the form online here with your invitation code- Get your State Pension - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). You can also call the Pensions Service on 0800 731 7898. Your State Pension should then be paid within 5 weeks of your birthday.
• Contact your Housing Benefit department to let them know what your new income is. If you need any help to do this, please contact us on 03333 202675 and our contact centre team can advise you who pays your Housing Benefit and what your reference number is. They will want to see a copy of a bank statement to show your pension payments and any other income you have coming in. Make sure you provide this as quickly as you can to make sure your Housing Benefit claim is not cancelled.

Depending on your savings and income, you may also be eligible for Pension Credit. This is designed to top up your state pension and can be applied for online or over the phone. Check here to see if you are eligible - https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator

Once you turn 66 did you also know you can also apply for a bus pass which you could use to visit new and exciting places for free, why not visit Manchester United and see the 1957 trophy for yourself!