Benefits and money

Who could get Pension Credits

If you or someone you know is over the State Pension age, you may be entitled to Pension Credit.

Thousands of pensioners in Renfrewshire are missing out by not claiming Pension Credit, which can boost income on average up to £3,900 per year.

Pension Credit can be backdated by up to 3 months.

Other advantages of claiming Pension Credits

Pension Credits gives you access to:

• help with rent and Council Tax
• a free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over
• help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.

Other benefits you may be entitled to

Other benefits you might be entitled to receive include:

• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Attendance Allowance
• Funeral Support Payment
• Discretionary Housing Payment.

Both The Council's Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau can also help people of any age get advice on money, the cost of living, energy bills and much more.

See where to get money and benefits advice.

Where to get advice about Pension Credits and other benefits

You can make an appointment online or by phone with impartial advisors from the Council's Advice Works team or Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

The appointments usually last an hour and take place over the phone.

It's very important that you tell us about any changes in your circumstances while you get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or Second Adult Rebate.

If you're receiving Universal Credit, you must report all changes directly to the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP). 

DWP will inform of any changes to your income or household.

You still must tell us if you've moved home or if anyone else’s income in your household has changed.

If you're not receiving Universal Credit, changes that we need to know about include:

• change of address
• change to the amount of rent you pay (only if you're receiving Housing Benefit)
• change to your childcare costs
• someone has moved in or out of your home, including the birth of a baby
• you or anyone you live with has started or stopped getting Income Support, Employment Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credits or Universal Credit
• you or anyone you live with has a change in income
• you or anyone you live with has started or stopped working
• you or anyone you live with now has more savings, investments or property
• if any children in your household have left school or started work, training or further education
• if you or your partner are away from your home for more than 13 weeks within England, Scotland or Wales
• if you or your partner or anyone else in your household are away from your home for more than 4 weeks outside England, Scotland or Wales.

If you do not let us know about changes like these, you may miss out on benefits you're entitled to, or we may pay you too much Housing Benefit. If this happens, you may have to pay the money back or it could be considered fraud.

You must let us know within 1 calendar month of the change.

If it's more than 1 calendar month, you'll need to tell us why.

You may need to upload proof of the changes when you fill in the form. 

This may include:

• proof of your identity
• proof of earnings
• your rent.

You can save the form as you go along and complete it at a later stage if you need to.

Tell us about a change of circumstances

After you've submitted the form, you'll see an individual case reference number on the confirmation screen.  

We will also send you an email with the case reference number and some other important information. Please read this email as soon as you receive it.

If we ask you for more proof, you need to sent it to us within one month of submitting this form.

Fraud is the deliberate use of deception or dishonesty to disadvantage or cause loss (usually financial). It's a crime in which some kind of deception is used for personal gain (Audit Scotland - Counter Fraud).

Some examples of fraud include people who:

• don't tell us they are working when they make a claim or application for benefits or money from the Council
• claim or apply as a single person, but actually live with someone else
• claim or apply from an address, but do not live there
• don't tell us, or the relevant organisation, when someone moves into the property, including children, family, friends or partners
• don't tell us the full amount of income, savings or capital they have when they make a claim or application or after their circumstances change
• make a claim or application when they know they do not have a right to it
• provide false information for financial or personal gain
• misuse Council materials, such as Blue Badges
• provide false information to access Council Housing
• sub-let Council properties or abandon Council properties.

The impact of fraud

Each pound lost to fraud represents a loss to the public purse and reduces the ability of local government bodies to provide services to people who need them. 

Across the UK the cost of fraud is estimated at:

• £6.4 billion of benefit fraud during the financial year 2022 to 2023
• £10 billion a year of lost tax revenue from evasion and criminal attacks
• £2.5 billion to £28.5 billion to fraud and error.

These estimates are from the UK Parliament's report on tackling fraud and corruption against government (September 2023).

You can also see an interactive dashboard of fraud and cyber crimes reported to Action Fraud over the last 13 months.

Some tips for protecting yourself against fraud:

• Stop: if you receive a request to make an urgent payment, change bank details or provide financial information, take a moment to stop and think.
• Challenge: Does something look wrong? Could it be a fraudster? Only criminals will try to rush and panic you.
• Protect: If you're concerned about something or think you've been scammed, report it. Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed. You are not alone.

You can find more advice about protecting yourself against fraud and cybercrime on the ActionFraud website.

Report suspected fraud

You can also contact us by:

• email counterfraudinvestigations@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone 0300 300 1314
• in writing:

Corporate Counter Fraud Team
Finance and Resources
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1UJ

If you suspect someone is committing fraud, let us know. 

Give us as much information as possible so we can investigate your claim. 

Information could include:

• name and address
• age
• description of persons
• description or registration number of any vehicles
• employers name and address or start and finish times of employment
• the type of fraud you suspect is taking place
• how long you think the fraud has been going on.

Don't worry if you do not know the answers to some of the questions. All the information you provide is strictly in confidence. You do not have to give us your name and address if you do not want to.

If you want to report Housing Benefit fraud, you'll need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

You'll need to report Social Security Scotland benefit fraud through the Scottish Government website.

You can also report fraud or financial crime to Police Scotland or call them on 101.

If you work for or with the Council, you can report certain types of wrongdoing (whistleblowing) if it is in the public interest.

We have a legal duty to protect the public funds we manage.

We are committed to dealing equally with fraud and corruption from within and outside the Council.

Our counter fraud and corruption policy details our approach to the prevention, detection and prosecution of fraud and corruption, across all of the Council's services.

We also share information provided to us with other bodies responsible for auditing and managing public funds. 

This is outlined in our privacy policy, which sets out how we protect personal data and who we share it with and why.

This includes sharing data with Audit Scotland as part of the National Fraud Initiative. This compares electronic data about individuals held by different public bodies to prevent and detect fraud.

Find more information about counter fraud and the National Fraud Initiative on the Audit Scotland website.

What a social tariff is 

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them 'essential' or 'basic' broadband. 

These tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. 

Who can get a social tariff 

You may be able to get a social tariff if you're on: 

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support. 

Some providers might include benefits such as Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance. 

The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract. 

How to switch to a social tariff 

If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge. 

Find more information about eligibility and how to switch to a social tariff at how to switch to a broadband social tariff (Which?). 

Learn about discounted 'social tariffs' for those on certain benefits (Money Saving Expert).

If you're not eligible

If you do not meet the criteria for a discounted deal but still want to save money on your broadband, read tips for cutting your phone, broadband and TV costs (Ofcom). 

For further money-saving tips such as evaluating what speed of broadband you actually need, visit Broadband Savvy. 

Where to start

Find out where you can:

• access free public Wi-Fi
• use a computer and internet for free at any Renfrewshire library
• get help with your digital skills at the library. 

Advice about your energy bills

If you need advice about managing your energy bills, you can contact our energy advice team. Our advisers will find out about your situation and offer free advice.

You can also get advice about what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills from the Citizen's Advice Scotland website.

Money to help pay energy bills

Find out if you can get money to help pay energy bills on the MyGov.scot website.

You may be able to apply for help with energy bills and heating  including the:

• Alternative fuel payment
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Warm Home Discount
• Winter Heating Payment
• Child Winter Heating Assistance
• Home Heating Support Fund
• Energy Bills Discount

Energy Bill Support Scheme

Find out if you can get the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme discount if you're on a traditional pre-payment meter on the Energy Saving Trust website.

Funding for energy saving improvements

The Warmer Homes Scotland programme offers funding for energy saving improvements to your home.

Make your home more energy efficient

Find out about making your home more energy efficient, reducing your carbon emissions and lowering your energy bills on the Energy Saving Trust website.

Switch your energy supplier

Find out about switching your energy supplier on the Energy Saving Trust website.

We know money worries can have a big effect on people's lives. We also know that it can be difficult to take the first step to sort out your finances.

Anyone in Renfrewshire can contact Advice Works or Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) if you have money worries. 

They can make sure that you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to including:

• Universal Credit
• Scottish Child Payment or Best Start Grants
• Disability benefits
• Pension Credit
• Tax Credits
• Young Carer Grant (for 16, 17 and 18 year olds)
• Free School Meals or help to buy school clothing
• paying less Council Tax if you qualify.

They will go through your personal circumstances with you and work out if there's anything else you are entitled to claim.

They can also support you if you want to challenge a benefit decision or a Universal Credit sanction.

After you submit the form, Advice Works will contact you within 3 working days. If they can't reach you after two attempts, they will leave contact details for you to call back at a time that suits you.

If you have children at primary, secondary or ASN school, you can make an appointment at their school.

Families with children at primary, nursery or preschool

If you're a parent or carer with children in primary school, nursery or younger, you can get free, confidential, and impartial advice for families from our Advice Works team.  

They generally give advice over the phone, so you have more flexibility over when and where you discuss your money issues, and get advice and support without having to travel anywhere.

They can also offer appointments online if you're prefer.

Families with children at secondary or Additional Support Needs (ASN) schools

If you're a parent or carer with a child at secondary school or an Additional Support Needs (ASN) school, you can make an appointment with Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau for help with:

• budgeting
• benefits
• debt
• housing
• employment
• any other money worries.

If there are not appointments available on a day that suits you, you can book an appointment at any secondary or ASN school. It does not have to be the school your child goes to.

Pupils aged 16 or older can also ask for advice for themselves or their family.

The advice is free, impartial, and confidential. You'll meet with a Citizens Advice Bureau advisor in a private room for your appointment.

To make an appointment, you can:

• book online on the School Support Service website
• phone 0141 889 2121.

You can also see other benefits available from the:

• Scottish Government
• UK Government.

We may ask you for more evidence to support your benefits claim.

If we ask for copies of documents or proof of your identity, you can upload evidence to support your benefits claim.

Only use this form if you have already applied for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or Second Adult Rebate.

You will need to apply separately for a new claim for:

• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Second Adult Rebate

We may ask for:

• bank statements
• payslips
• a tenancy agreement
• utility bills
• confirmation of student status
• proof of child care costs.

Evidence of your identity (ID) can be a:

• driving licence
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate
• passport
• National Insurance (NI) number card
• medical card
• UK residence permit
• EEC identity card.

Upload evidence online

You can scan or take a photo of the document or your ID on a camera enabled device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

If you are photographing a document, make sure that the whole page shows in your image.

You could be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if you cannot cover your rent or housing costs because of the Benefit Cap.

The Benefit Cap is the limit on the total amount in benefits that most working-age people can claim. It applies to all the benefits your household gets.

The current benefit caps are:

• £423.46 per week if you're in a couple
• £423.46 per week if you're a single parent and your children live with you
• £283.71 per week if you're a single adult.

You can get the financial support if you: 

• are affected by the benefit cap
• cannot cover your rent or housing costs.

In your application, you'll need to tell us your:

• full name
• date of birth
• National Insurance (NI) number
• contact phone number
• email address.

We'll also need the bank or building society details to make the payment, including the:

• account holder's title and name
• sort code
• account number.

Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

We'll send you a confirmation email with a case reference number.

We'll then check of the details you've provided and contact you if we need any more information. We aim to process your application within one month. 

If you're eligible, we'll let you know by email or letter that you'll get the Discretionary Housing Payment. 

We will pay it monthly directly to the bank account you have specified in your application form.

Ask us to review a decision

If we do not grant you a Discretionary Housing Payment, there is no right of appeal, but you can ask for the decision to be looked at again by a different Senior Assessor if you disagree with it. 

If you want to do this, write to the Benefits Service within 2 weeks of the date on the decision letter, stating why you think the decision is wrong. 

The postal address is:

Benefits Service
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1AD.

A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is money to help if:

• you're temporarily struggling to pay your rent
• you do not have enough money to pay for a rental deposit, rent in advance or removal costs.

You do not have to pay a Discretionary Housing Payment back.

You cannot use a Discretionary Housing Payment:

• towards your Council Tax
• to pay for service charges not included in your rent
• if you do not have enough for rent because you're paying back an overpayment of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs.

You can only apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment if you:

• rent your home
• get Housing Benefit or the Housing Costs element of Universal Credit. These payments are not a type of housing benefit or Universal Credit housing cost.

They are extra payments made to help with housing costs like some or all of a rent shortfall over a few weeks or a new tenancy rent deposit.

If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but it does not cover all your rent

If your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs are not enough to pay your rent temporarily, you could apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. 

You could get a top-up for some or all of your housing benefit for a short-term period. 

If you have a non-dependant adult living with you

You may have a reduction in your Housing Benefit if someone who lives with you:

• is over 18
• is not in full time education
• is working
• claims benefits.

This is called a non-dependant deduction. 

If this means you temporarily cannot pay all of your rent, you could apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. It could top-up some or all of your housing benefit for a short-term period.

If you need help with a deposit, rent advance or removal

You could get a Discretionary Housing Payment to help you move into a new home, if you can't pay one-off costs like a deposit, rent in advance or removal costs. 

If you're affected by the benefit cap

If the benefit cap means you cannot cover your rent or housing costs, you could be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to cover the reduction in your income.

More information about financial support if you're affected by the Benefit Cap.

If you're affected by Social Sector Size Criteria (bedroom tax)

If you already get Housing Benefit and you want a Discretionary Housing Payment due to the Social Sector Size Criteria, known as the 'bedroom tax', you'll get this automatically and you do not need to apply for it.

Another reason not listed above

If the reason you're applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment does not fit into any of the above categories, then you can apply for 'Any other reason'. 

You must tell us about the reason you need financial help to meet the gap between your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs and your rent.

Information you need to tell us on your application

You'll need to tell us:

• if you're a private, housing association or Renfrewshire Council tenant
• how much rent you pay and how often you pay it
• if you're behind in your rent
• if you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs
• if you need an extra room for an overnight carer, a foster child or a severely disabled child who cannot share a room
• the reason you're applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment
• about your circumstances and your household
• your name, date of birth, National Insurance (NI) number, address and contact details
• anything else you have done to help your financial situation
• what you pay out every week (your weekly outgoings).

Weekly outgoings

We need to know the weekly outgoings for yourself, your partner, if you have one, and any children. 

If you're not sure how much you pay for them every week, you can enter daily, fortnightly, or monthly figures on the form to calculate how much something is weekly.

Outgoings can include:

• rent, council tax, gas, electricity, life, or home insurance
• TV licence, entertainment subscriptions, internet, home, or mobile phone
• childcare, school meals, school trips, family outings or kids' clubs
• medical or caring expenses
• food, clothing, cigarettes, or alcohol
• travel costs, petrol, car insurance or road tax
• loans, goods hired or bought on a payment plan, store credit cards, other outstanding debts
• any other weekly outgoings not listed above.

Enter 0 (zero) for anything you do not pay.

Savings and income

You'll need to tell us the amount of money or savings you and your partner, if you have one, have in your bank, building society or other accounts.

We'll also need to know the weekly income of your household, including the total amount of earned income in your household, and any other benefits or payments you get, like:

• Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance
• Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit, child, or spousal maintenance
• pensions or pension credit
• Attendance Allowance, Mobility Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment
• Universal Credit
• any other income not listed above.

If you're not sure how much household income you have each week, you can enter daily, fortnightly, or monthly figures on the form to calculate how much something is weekly.

With your consent, we can also check your entitlement to others benefits or grants.

Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

You can tell us if you want to be contacted about your application by phone, email or letter.

How we make a decision

The budget for Discretionary Housing Payments is limited, so we cannot guarantee you'll get it.

We will consider the following when we make a decision:

• your household income
• if you have any savings
• if you or your family are ill or disabled
• if anyone else is living in the property who could help
• if there's any way of you rearranging your finances to improve your situation
• if you have any debts
• if the household could budget to afford some or all of the shortfall
• any other relevant information.

We'll let you know by phone, email or letter if you'll get a Discretionary Housing Payment or if we need more information before we make a decision.

How we pay Discretionary Housing Payment

If we give you a Discretionary Housing Payment, you can ask for it to be paid to either yourself or your landlord. 

If we're paying it to you, we'll need the details of the bank or building society account including the: 

• account holder's name
• name and address of the bank or building society
• sort code
• account number.

Ask us to review a decision

If we do not grant you a Discretionary Housing Payment, there is no right of appeal, but you can ask for the decision to be looked at again by a different Senior Assessor if you disagree with it. 

If you want to do this, write to the Benefits Service within two weeks of the date on the decision letter, stating why you think the decision is wrong. The postal address is:

Renfrewshire Council
Benefits Service
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1AD.

Discretionary Housing Payments are only a short-term solution to financial difficulties. 

If you think you'll have ongoing difficulties paying your rent, you should 

• speak to your landlord if you're a private tenant
• contact your Housing Association officer if you live in a Housing Association
• contact your local Neighbourhood services if you're a Council tenant.

If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs, you can also apply for Council Tax Reduction.

You may also be entitled to other benefits.

Depending on your circumstances and needs, you could apply for a crisis grant or a community care grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund.

If you need longer term financial help, our Advice Works team Advice or Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau can help.