Hampshire: Hampshire County Council money worries

Please click on the link below to access the HCC website that provides vital information for families who may be struggling due to the cost of living crisis with lots of useful links.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Warminster: Warm and Well? Saturday 23rd November - Free Entry

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

The impact of VAT changes on the Continuity of Education Allowance

 

In the Budget speech The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the government will remove the VAT exemption for private schools from 1 January 2025.

For families claiming the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) this is likely to increase private school fees.

To minimise the impact of this change, the Secretary of State has directed that the CEA rate cap will be uprated, to ensure it continues to pay up to 90% of school fees for eligible claimants.

What does this mean for CEA claimants?

Wiltshire: Struggling with high energy prices and the cost of living? Warm and Safe Wiltshire may be able to help!

Please click the images to enlarge

To visit the website, please click here

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Cupar: Money matters, understanding your bills, shopping secrets, income and budgeting support

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Hampshire: Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East

Hampshire County Council is proud to be part of Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East is a cross border partnership comprising Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove, Medway Councils and Sussex NHS.

It is a two-year Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant Funded Programme aimed at making it easier for servicemen and women and their families, as well as reservists and veterans, to access public sector services including healthcare, housing, schools, financial advice and support to find jobs.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Military Mortgage Advice Webinars: November to January

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Book your place here: Webinars | Military Mortgage Advice

Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are missing out on Pension Credit, and it is worth, on average, £3,900 per year, providing additional benefits such as help with Council Tax and Housing Benefit and a free TV licence for those over 75.

In addition to Pension Credit, those who qualify could also receive Winter Fuel Payment and other support like help with housing costs, help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months, (ticking the backdating box on the claim form). This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024.

To note, Pension Credit can also provide extra support for heating costs such as The Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments​.

Checking entitlement is easy with this on-line calculator: Pension Credit calculator - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Scotland: Forces Children Scotland Financial support for armed forces and veteran families.

We know the cost of living crisis has presented challenges for so many families across the United Kingdom.

We can provide a little financial support to cover many of life’s essentials to make a huge difference in reducing worry and stress.

From utility bills, food and clothing to bedroom furniture and much more, we can help cover most requests for support.

If you’re an armed forces or veteran family living in Scotland, we should be able to help.

There's no lengthy application process; we help cover many of life’s essentials to reduce worry and stress.

To get in touch or to start the process 👉 Financial Crisis Funding - Forces Children Scotland

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Grantham: Lincolnshire Suicide Prevention Strategy Grant Fund 2024

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Northern Ireland: NIdirect Cost of Living Information and Advice

 

Information and advice about support with the cost of living, including:
• help with energy costs
• help with your income
• help for families and children
• help for older people
• help with housing
• help with other costs
Find out more: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Jobs & Benefits Northern Ireland

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Pension Credit Information available from NIdirect.gov

 

Are you getting Pension Credit?

You could be eligible, find out more by clicking here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Hampshire: Operation Signature Hampshire Constabulary - help protect against fraud

Click image for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

North Yorkshire: Citizens Advice - Get your energy questions answered

 Stay Warm and Well! 

This September, join us for FREE advice sessions with North Yorkshire Citizens Advice & Law Centre at your local libraries:

23rd Sept, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Knaresborough Library
24th Sept, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Harrogate Library
30th Sept, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Ripon Library

Get your energy questions answered and find out more about Citizens Advice support.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Serve & Protect financial webinars and episode 5 of the 'Smile and Save' podcast

September Webinars

Free financial webinars this September from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!

• Managing the Cost of Living

• Domestic Violence - The Financial Impact

• Budgeting & Spending

• Understanding Wills and LPAs

• Boost Your Credit Score

• What Lenders Look For

Register: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars

Episode 5 of the Smile and Save Podcast is here, brought to you by Serve and Protect’s Jon who shares learnings from his almost 37 years’ experience in the RAF. Discover some tips and things to think about when transitioning to civilian life Watch here: https://youtu.be/ET8BMaOHmeE?si=l1UuQPM-FZ_yZhg5

Scotland: When will Carer Support Payment be available in my area?

Carer Support Payment is available in

Perth and Kinross
Dundee City
The Western Isles
Angus
North and South Lanarkshire
Fife
Moray
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
North, East and South Ayrshire

The payment will be available across Scotland in November.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Monmouthshire: Information on activities and food support for families in the Summer holidays

Summer Savings

Information on free activities and food support for families throughout the summer holidays in Monmouthshire. Click here for further information.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Scotland: Forces Children Scotland financial support

Applications are now open for our grant-giving funds to provide financial support for armed forces and veteran families.

We can help students, young carers, and wider groups of young people to realise their potential and thrive, as well as support families in times of financial crisis.

Putting families from armed forces communities first.

Providing a little financial support for families when it really matters.

We support students and young carers to realise their potential thrive as well as help children and young people to dream big and pursue bright futures.

We continue to live in challenging times and that’s why we provide financial assistance to families to cover the costs of many of life’s essentials.

Financial Support - Forces Children Scotland

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Fife: Do you need help with debt?

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Serve and Protect Credit Union launch latest Fixed Saver, offering a guaranteed return of 5% AER

 

Are you looking to earn a guaranteed return on your savings? Serve and Protect Credit Union have launched their latest fixed-rate savings account.

​​Serve and Protect Credit Union (formerly Police Credit Union) are a not-for-profit organisation designed to help people in the police, prison, military, fire, and health services save money for their financial future.

• Their Fixed Saver account allows you to deposit from £1,000 up to £10,000, with a guaranteed return of 5% AER over a term of 12 months.

• Your savings with Serve and Protect Credit Union are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, covering you up to £85,000.*

By opening a Fixed Saver, you not only earn a competitive return on your savings, but you also play a vital role in providing affordable loans to those who serve and protect the nation.

Don't miss out on this exclusive offer!

It's available on a first-come-first-served basis, so act fast. The product is available throughout August 2024 and just requires you to complete a simple application online.

Please Note: If you are not already a member of Serve and Protect, you can still apply, but you will have to do so by the 29th of August 2024.

To apply or learn more about the Fixed Saver, visit: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver