Financial security is a prime concern for everyone, but it can be of particular concern if you are disabled and are unable to work, become disabled during your life, or are a carer. This section provides information on where to get money advice including disability related benefits that are available and advice around debt. This section also covers organisations who offer advice, support and opportunities within work and employment.
BENEFITS AND INCOME
Help is available for those who qualify, in the form of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, Attendance Allowance (AA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Council Tax reduction, Housing Benefit, Disabled Facility Grants, VAT relief, Working Tax Credits with a disability premium, Disabled Students’ Allowance and not-in-work benefits.
Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living (MK CIL)
330 Saxon Gate West, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES
Tel: 01908 231344
Minicom: 01908 231505
Email: info@mkcil.org.uk
Times: 10.00am to 4.00pm (For enquiries and drop-in)
MK CIL has trained volunteers who can, by appointment, assist with applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and Attendance Allowance (AA) for older people, as well as with appealing decisions on all these benefits.
MK CIL works in partnership with Citizens Advice and, if required, can arrange an appointment with a CA advisor at the MK CIL offices on a Thursday of each week to discuss benefit-related issues.
If you are in need of financial help, the charitable sector may be able to assist you. Many of these organisations do not advertise, but you can get further details from MK CIL.
Citizens Advice Milton Keynes
Tel: 0808 278 7991
Telephone helplines are open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Web: https://www.miltonkeynescab.org.uk/
National site: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Citizens Advice offers free, impartial, and confidential advice on a wide range of issues including benefits and debt advice. They can offer benefits checks, benefits advice and help with benefit form filling. Citizens Advice have a disability specialist who can be seen, if appropriate, by appointment only.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices,
1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3EJ
Tel: 01908 253100
Email: benefits@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Web: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/benefits
The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Scheme can helps those who are unemployed, on a low income or benefits pay their rent and Council Tax. A person’s income and savings are taken into account when they apply for help.
To apply for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction it is advised to use their online portal or contact the Benefits Team.
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
Disability Service Centre
Web: https://www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline
The Disability Service Centre is a national benefits helpline for people with disabilities and their carers and representatives. It offers advice and information on Social Security benefits and how to claim them. On request, they will send out a range of leaflets and claim packs to customers.
The advisors do not have access to people’s personal records and are able to provide general advice only. Advisors are trained to provide advice on all Social Security benefits, but more specifically such benefits that relate to illness and disability.
It also provides help to complete certain disability-related claim packs over the telephone. There is no charge for this service, but mobile phone users may incur a cost from their service provider. Home visits can also be organised to complete claim packs, but a valid reason must be given as to why a home visit is needed. The service can be provided in Braille or large print if required.
For more information and assistance (note: there are different numbers for actually claiming) please telephone as detailed below (information is also available on alternative formats):
For ongoing Personal Independence Payments (PIP) claims:
0800 121 4433 Textphone: 0800 121 4493 or
RELAY UK 18001 then 0800 121 4433
If you’ve made a claim for PIP and you wish to ask about Disability Living Allowance (DLA), please call PIP number above. Otherwise, for DLA claims:
- If you were born after 8th April 1948 please call:
0800 121 4600 Textphone: 0800 121 4523 or
RELAY UK 18001 then 0800 121 4600
- If you were born ON or BEFORE 8TH April 1948 please call:
0800 731 0122 Textphone: 0800 731 0317 or
Relay UK 18001 then 0800 731 0122
Attendance Allowance (AA)
0800 731 0122 Textphone 0800 731 0317 or
Relay UK 18001 then 0800 731 0122
Postal Addresses:
Personal independence Payment
Post Handling Site B
Wolverhampton
WV99 1AH
Disability Living Allowance
Born after 8th April 1948:
Department for Work & Pensions
Disability Living Allowance
Freepost RUEY-BBKJ-SXJH
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2GJ
Born on or before 8th April 1948:
Freepost DWP Disability Living Allowance 65
(no need for postcode or stamp)
Disability Living Allowance for children (under 16)
Freepost DWP DLA Child
Attendance Allowance
Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance
Help with NHS costs
There is an online calculator to see if you might be able to get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatments, eye tests and help with other NHS costs, at https://www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs
Whether you get help depends on things like:
- Your age
- Your income
- Where you live
- Benefits you receive
- If you are pregnant
- If you have a medical condition
Tax Help for Older People
10a Pineapple Business Park, Salway Ash, Bridport, DT6 5DB
Tel: 01308 488066
Email: taxvol@taxvol.org.uk
Web: www.taxvol.org.uk
Tax Help for Older People is a charity providing free independent tax advice service for older people on lower incomes who cannot afford to pay for professional advice.
Tax Help for Older People’s advisors can help with any personal tax issue no matter how minor it may seem. Advisors can also undertake a tax health check to ensure that everything is in order.
The service is free to those with a household income of up to around £20,000 net per year and aged close to 60 or older. Those caring for an eligible older person, whether family, friend or professional, may also request help on their behalf.
For advice simply call the advice line, use the website enquiry form, email OR use the postal address.
SSAFA Buckinghamshire
Tel: 0204 566 9126
Email: SouthEast.Region@ssafa.rg.uk
Web: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/buckinghamshire
The Soldiers, Sailors and Airman’s Families Association (SSAFA) is where individuals can access an independent welfare network that helps ex-service members and their families/dependents.
Money Lifeline Milton Keynes
Acorn House, 391a Midsummer Boulevard
Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3HP
Tel: 01908 550630
Helpline: 0300 123 5198
Email: office@mkmoneylifeline.org.uk
Web: MK money lifeline
MK Money Lifeline offers free confidential and impartial dept advice money advice in Milton Keynes.
Two drop-in centres currently operate in this area – Frank Moran Centre, MK3 6PA or Water Eaton Church Centre, MK2 3RR. Please check website for detailed information on days/times.