Help to claim - Cost of living support events

As part of our Here for You campaign, we are hosting events at our Life Centres, libraries and local community venues to ensure that local people are getting all of the support they are entitled to during the cost of living crisis.

We know that both locally and nationally, many of us are missing out on income we’re entitled to claim.

This might be because you don’t know you may be entitled, you might have difficulty completing forms or you might just not be sure where to turn to for support.

That’s why we’re hosting drop in events across our borough with teams of friendly expert people ready to help.

We’re here to complete benefit checks to make sure that you are in receipt of all current entitlements based on your circumstances and to help you complete any necessary claim forms for benefits you might not realise you’re eligible to apply for.

Whatever your situation, you’ll be continually supported throughout the entire process.

Both national and local support offers can change quite regularly, so it’s always worth checking what the current offer is and if you are eligible, even if you may have been refused support before or think you won’t be entitled to any help.

The details of our upcoming events are shown below, please come along and join us. Our team of friendly, expert advisers will be able to discuss the support that is available and help you to make a claim.

If you would like further details regarding the upcoming events or can’t make an event and would like to discuss how we can help you, please contact us on 01942 489015. Remember, we’re here for you.

Aspull Library

  • 11 November 2024, 10am to 1pm.

Atherton Library

  • 18 November 2024, 9am to 2pm
  • 20 December 2024, 12pm to 5pm.

Golborne Library

  • 25 November 2024, 9am to 2pm
  • 16 December 2024, 9am to 2pm.

Hindley Library

  • 2 December 2024, 9am to 2pm
  • 10 December 2024, 9am to 2pm.  

Leigh Life Centre

  • 13 November 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 20 November 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 27 November 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 4 December 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 11 December 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 18 December 2024, 10am to 4pm.

Leigh Market

  • 13 December 2024, 10am to 2pm.

Marsh Green Library

  • 12 November 2024, 9am to 2pm
  • 18 December 2024, 9am to 2pm.

Platt Bridge Library

  • 26 November 2024, 9am to 2pm
  • 19 December 2024, 12pm to 5pm.

Shevington Library

  • 19 November 2024, 9am to 2pm
  • 9 December 2024, 9am to 2pm.

Tyldesley Library

  • 3 December 2024, 9am to 2pm
  • 17 December 2024, 9am to 2pm.

Wigan Life Centre North

  • 14 November 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 21 November 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 28 November 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 5 December 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 12 December 2024, 10am to 4pm
  • 19 December 2024, 10am to 4pm.

Wigan Market

  • 6 December 2024, 10am to 2pm.

How we've helped local people like you

The impact of attending these drop in events can be life changing. Take a look at how we’ve helped residents just like you access additional support they are entitled to.

William and Pamela's story

As a result of attending our drop in event at Leigh, William and Pamela now receive the following:

  • Pension Credit Guarantee including Severe Disability Premium and Carers Premium
  • Attendance Allowance for William
  • Attendance Allowance for Pamela
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Housing Benefits.

Colin and Linda's story

As a result of attending our drop in event at Wigan, Colin and Linda now receive the following:

  • Attendance Allowance for Colin
  • Attendance Allowance for Linda
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Housing Benefits.

Please come along to one of our sessions and let us support you to claim what you are entitled to.

Pension Credit

Did you know millions of pounds of Pension Credit remains unclaimed? 

In Wigan over 8,000 people claim Pension Credit. It is estimated that over 4,000 pensioners are eligible but have not made a claim. If you think you may be entitled, please make a claim or let us help you.

People getting Pension Credit may be entitled to other benefits like:

  • Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
  • Cost of Living Payments
  • Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
  • Council Tax discount
  • Free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
  • Help with dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
  • Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
  • Eligibility to a Winter Fuel Payment
  • Discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house.

Please don’t miss out if you haven’t made a claim but think you may be eligible visit pension credit (external link).

Other support that is available

If you find yourself in financial crisis, please don’t go through it alone. There is support available, including through our Welfare offer. Call us on 01942 489015 or find out more on our Here for You pages.

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