H&F Cost of Living Booklet 2023

Cost-of-living help
Other help
on offer
New-style contributions-based
benefits
If you recently had to stop working
due to unemployment or sickness
you may be able to claim new-style
contributions-based benefits.
These are based on your National
Insurance contributions, not on
savings or assets you may have.
Learn more:
gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance and
gov.uk/employment-supportallowance.
If you are not entitled to statutory
maternity pay from your employer,
you may be entitled to Maternity
Allowance for up to 39 weeks.
The Sure Start Maternity Grant
provides £500 for people receiving
benefits who are having their
first child.
Pregnant women, or those who have
a child aged up to four, may qualify
for the Healthy Start Scheme to help
buy essentials.
Child Benefit can be paid for each of
your children. If your income is too
high you could still claim national
insurance contributions which go
towards your pension.
Free school meals and
school clothing allowance
Free school meals and school
clothing allowance are available. Find
out more: lbhf.gov.uk/pupils-help.
HRT Prescription
Prepayment Certificate
If you pay for NHS-prescribed HRT
medicine three or more times in
12 months, an HRT PPC could
save you money. Find out more:
lbhf.gov.uk/NHS-HRT-certificate.
Online benefit calculators
There are several benefit calculators
that can help you identify benefits
you may be able to claim. Visit:
lbhf.entitledto.co.uk/home/start
or gov.uk/benefits-calculators or
turn2us.org.uk or entitledto.co.uk.
Free activities in H&F
Looking for fun, free, local events?
Keep an eye on our events webpage:
lbhf.gov.uk/hf-events.
Cinema Exhibition Card
Provides a Disabled cinema guest
with a free ‘plus one’. Eligibility is
based on benefits received. Find out
more here: ceacard.co.uk.
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