Financial Stability | Age Well

Money Advice Service

The right money advice can make all the difference. If you manage your money better, you really can live better. Less worry, more peace of mind.

If you are on a low income, looking for work, sick, disabled or caring for a friend or family you may be able to increase your income through benefits that you're entitled to.

The Age UK West Sussex Money Advice Service is available between 10am and 2pm to listen and give you advice.

The advisers can cover anything from benefits, pensions and retirement planning to budgeting and saving. The service is completely impartial.

You can call them on 0800 019 1310 or email.

Pension credit

Pension Credit is there to top up your income as you get older. You can use the Pension Credit Calculator to work out how much you are entitled to.

If you’re eligible, Pension Credit will not only give you a bit of extra cash, it could also help you get other benefits too.

To claim your pension credit, call 0800 99 1234 between 8am-7.30pm, Monday to Friday. 

Carers Allowance

If you care for a friend or family member then one of the main welfare benefits that may help you is Carers Allowance.

Alternatively, visit Age UK website for their handy, printable factsheets about all of the areas mentioned above, and more.

Carewise

Good financial planning is key to ensuring that sufficient funds are in place to pay for care - that's why Carewise care fees advisors are available to provide specialist information and advice about available care and support options, helping you find the most cost-effective way of paying for long-term care.

For more information on the scheme and to arrange a consultation, contact Carewise where you can request a call-back from a care fees advisor or call 01243 642121.

Wills and power of attorney 

Making financial plans for the end of life can be a big help to your loved ones, meaning they have fewer financial worries at a difficult time.

Information and advice is available to help you consider arrangements, including factsheets from Age UK on making a will and power of attorney. 

Funeral planning

Taking out a pre-paid funeral plan is another way to ensure there are no unexpected costs for your loved ones.

Dying Matters have created a form which guides you through the process and prompts you to think about all aspects of your funeral. 

Aspire Sussex

Aspire Sussex is an Adult Education Service that provide courses in order to help improve your confidence when managing your finances.

For more information, contact Aspire Sussex on 0345 6010161 or email the team.

Banks and building societies 

Your local bank or building society will be able to offer advice on the best ways to manage your money and how to do it online - should you wish to.

Visit your local branch and speak to a member of staff. 

Impact Initiatives

Impact Initiatives gives adults and older people in West Sussex specialist employment and training support, enabling them to make informed decisions about work. 

They also provide specific support for carers that are looking to find job which utilises their key assets and skills.

For more information, contact the team on 01273 322940 or email. 

Local employment advice

There are a number of initiatives across West Sussex that can help you get back into paid employment.

It’s worth contacting your local District or Borough Council, as well as your local Job Centre Plus, as they can often help. Here are some to consider:

• Employ Crawley
• Choose Work – Chichester
• Journey to Work – Horsham

Housing associations also offer support to its tenants in finding employment. Here are two useful links:

• Southdown Housing
• Clarion Housing