Help Hotline
Do you need help or support during the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you know someone who does? Teignbridge Council have a hotline service to help people who are feeling isolated or who need help and support to get them through the COVID-19 pandemic. email: coronavirus.support@teignbridge.gov.uk or phone 01626 215 512
Hardship Fund
Teignbridge Council have launched a Local Hardship Fund to support those whose financial situation has been affected by the current pandemic and are struggling for essentials for their household. To check your eligibility and what this fund covers, go to: teignbridge.gov.uk/covid19hardshipfund or phone 01626 215 512.
Test n Trace Support Payment
If you have been told by the NHS Track and Trace to self-isolate, either because you have tested positive for COVID-19 or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you may be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of £500.To find out more and apply, go to: teignbridge.gov.uk/testandtraceclaim or phone 01626 215 512.
Homeless or threatened with homelessness
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness you can contact the Teignbridge Housing Options team housingoptions@teignbridge.gov.uk or 01626 215347
Debt advice
If you have debts you can contact the Money Advice Service, which covers the Teignbridge area, on 01752 208126.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provide free, confidential and impartial advice. Advice is available online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk and over the phone on 03444 111444.
Benefits Advice
If you contact Teignbridge Council on 01626 361101, the benefits service team will be able to offer advice and, if applicable, refer you to the Homemaker service for an assessment on which benefits you may be entitled to and which benefits would be best for you.
Benefits Calculator
You can complete a benefits calculator, such as the one at entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator to see which benefits you’re entitled to. If you’re already receiving benefits other than Universal credit, there is an option at the end of the calculation to do a comparison with what you would receive if you switched to Universal Credit.
Universal Credit
You may qualify for Universal Credit if you are on a low income. Universal Credit can help with rent payments, mortgage payments, and child care costs. You can apply for Universal Credit by completing an online application at gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim or by calling 0800 328 5644.
Housing Benefits
If you are in receipt of benefits other than Universal Credit, you may be eligible for Housing benefit towards your housing costs. You can apply for Housing Benefit by completing an application at:teignbridge.gov.uk/benclaim or by calling Teignbridge Council on 01626 361101 and asking to speak to benefit services.
Rent arrears
If you are having issues paying your rent, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment. You will need to be in receipt of Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit to be eligible. You can download a form at: teignbridge.gov.uk/dhp or contact Teignbridge Council on 01626 361101 to request that a form is posted to you.
Mortgage Arrears
If you’re having difficulty paying your mortgage, you may be eligible for help towards the interest payments. This help is called Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). You can see whether you’re eligible and apply at: gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest or call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 169 0310. You can also contact your mortgage provider who may be able to offer a payment holiday, depending upon your circumstances.
Food Banks
South Devon Food Alliance lists local food organisations. https://southdevonfoodalliance.adoddle.org
THAT Foodbank offer many types of support for low-income and homeless members of the community, including providing food and home and start packs. You will need a referral from Citizens Advice, GP surgery, Social Services, Housing Association, Salvation Army, Children’s Services, Job Centre, Housing office etc. thatfoodbank@gmail.com or 01626 437310
Homeless In Teignbridge Support (HITS) food bank provides support for people in need throughout Teignbridge. HITS normal opening times are Mon-Fri, 10-4PM. After the first food parcel, HITS need a referral from an agency such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or Job Centre. info@hitsfoodbank.org or 01626 906371.
Westbank Healthy Living Centre, based in Exminster runs a community food larder in Exminster and Starcross and also a paid for Community Meal Service which can be delivered in Exminster, Kenton, Starcross, Cockwood and Kennford. Main meal costs £5 and a dessert £1. Full details of the wide range of Westbank services from its website – www.westbank.org.uk or call 01392 824752
Exeter Foodbank may also be able to help and support is provided with referral from a local agency such as Citizens Advice, housing services, Health Visitors etc. Email: info@exeterfoodbank.org.uk or call 07818 226 524