The following are the benefits that might be considered for each of the circumstances described - they would be subject to eligibility checks and some would also be means-tested

General benefits for people over 60 / 65 - Pension Credit / Housing Benefit (for rent) / Council Tax Benefit / Retirement Pension

Additional Sickness / Disability benefits for people over 65 - Attendance Allowance

General Benefits for people under 60 who are fit, but unemployed - Jobseekers Allowance / Housing Benefit (for rent) / Council Tax Benefit / Income Support

Benefits for people under 60 who are sick or disabled - Disability Living Allowance / Employment and Support Allowance / Housing Benefit / Council Tax Benefit

Benefits for people who are working over 16 hours per week on low incomes - Working Tax Credit / Housing Benefit (for rent) / Council Tax Benefit

Other benefits may be available for Carers / Bereavement for widows or widowers / maternity benefits / Sure Start Maternity Grants / Social Fund Payments (eg Community Care Grants / Crisis Loans / Budgeting Loans / Cold Weather payments / Funeral payments / Maternity Grants etc)

Please note that Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance are disability benefits based on help needed for care and / or mobility and are not subject to any means-testing ie they can be claimed regardless of how much income and capital the claimant has.

How to get advice -

1. Pension Service Part of DWP; also local surgeries at Lancing Parish Hall -  0845 60 60 265

2. The CAB have a series of Advice guides found at www.adviceguide.org.uk 

3. DWP Jobcentre plus for under 60s

4. Website www.directgov.uk - Benefits information

5. The CAB will always do a benefits check. 

6. Lancing CAB’s MacMillan project , if anyone in the family has or has had cancer.

Energy Saving Advice

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Heating Tips

• Set your heating to go off 30 minutes before you leave the house, and come on again 30 minutes before you expect to return.

• Turn the room thermostat down by 1 degree. This can save you around £30 a year.

• Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.

• Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.

• Insulate your loft space and consider cavity wall insulation too.

Electrical Appliances

• Use energy efficient light bulbs which use less energy and last up to ten times longer than standard bulbs.

• Turn off household appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, music systems, and computers when not in use, as they continue to use energy when they are left on standby.

Refrigeration

• Don't leave the fridge door open and try to avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge as this increases the energy required to keep the contents cold.

• Defrost your fridge frequently and check the door seals. Avoid putting your fridge next to heat generating appliances such as an oven or boiler. If possible, keep the freezer in a cool room or garage.

Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers and Dishwashers

• Use a low temperature setting and only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme.

• In summer, dry your clothes outside rather than using a tumble dryer.

• When drying your clothes indoors, use a clothes rail instead of a radiator as this stops the heat from reaching the rest of the room.

• Modern dishwashers use less energy and water than washing up by hand.

Cooking

• Use a pan which is the same size as the cooker ring to prevent heat loss.

• Use a lid on saucepans where possible, so the contents heat up faster and require less energy.

• Consider using pressure cookers, steamers and microwaves which use less energy.

Hot Water

• When using a kettle, only boil as much water as you need.

• If you live in a hard water area, limescale can effect the efficiency of your kettle. Look out for a buildup of limescale in your kettle and treat with vinegar or descaling solutions.

• Consider turning the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees centigrade which is a comfortable temperature for most people and will save on your heating costs.

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Reduced costs for leisure and pleasure

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Rail

• It can be cheaper to buy two singles rather than a return ticket

• Ticket prices over £10.00 can be reduced by up to a third by using Family, Senior and Network Railcards

• Advanced booking for long journeys can cut the costs dramatically; check with the rail companies

• Group travel is much cheaper; for example the NLCA trip to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth took advantage of Southern Trains’ Daysave tickets at £20.00 for 4 adults (£1.00 for each child) for unlimited travel after 10.00am on weekdays and at all times at the weekend. YOU HAVE TO BOOK THIS TICKET ON-LINE

Buses

• English National Bus Pass providing free local bus travel throughout England (between 9:30am and 11pm Monday to Friday and anytime weekends and bank holidays). The pass is free for those aged 60 and is available by contacting Adur District Council 01273 263000

• The Worthing Day Ticket which allows unlimited travel in the area cost £4.30, buy the ticket on the bus

Cinemas and Theatres

• Worthing cinemas and theatres offer concessions for afternoon shows, special bargain days and the standard concessions for students and the retired. More details from The Dome 01903 823112 and The Connaught 01903 206206

Lancing Manor Impulse Leisure Centre

• A variety of packages tailored to individual needs, best to visit and discuss with the helpful staff there