With the escalating cost of living, some people in Dorset may not realise that they are entitled to financial assistance.

Dorset Council says that even if you think you are not entitled to any assistance or have previously applied, you should still check if you haven’t done so recently.

The council’s Welfare Benefits Team has helped residents.

An older council resident, who did not qualify for Pension Credit due to his assets, was entitled to the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance where once he had a lower amount. The re-banding of this benefit unlocked £92 a week in income, which in turn allowed him to claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support totalling £220 a week. The entitlements also led to a free TV licence, reduced tariff utility bills, assistance with glasses, dental treatment and hospital transport. The resident also got access to technological devices in his home to notify others if he fell.

In another example, a resident with a learning disability, who was assisted with a benefit check when her circumstances changed, was owed tens of thousands of pounds due to previous unanswered claims from the Department of Work and Pensions. This led to an additional £180 benefits which unlocked Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, assistance with glasses, free dental treatment and prescriptions as well as hospital transport.

The children of families with changing circumstances may be able to benefit from free school meals if they qualify for certain benefits. In addition, school holiday activities may become available and some after school activities become free. The qualifying benefits include Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax and some Working Tax credits. Qualifying criteria can be obtained from https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/free-school-meals

Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said: “Families circumstances are changing rapidly which may mean people who have never had to think about whether they qualify for assistance are now considering it.

“Even if they go through the process and think it isn’t worth claiming, it may unlock other assistance they may not be aware of.

“Anything can assist with everyday finances when household circumstances change. It is worth a check.”

More information about how to deal with cost of living issues is available from https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/cost-of-living-help

Apply for government benefits: https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits