Reading Welfare Rights

🚨 The Government has launched the first major review of Carer's Allowance in 50 years.

The review will look at whether the current system is working for today's unpaid carers, including the earnings limit and how Carer's Allowance interacts with work.

If you're an unpaid carer, your experiences could help shape future changes to the benefit.

📅 The call for evidence closes on 18 August 2026.

💬 Do you think the current Carer's Allowance rules are fair?

At Reading Welfare Rights, we know the vital role unpaid carers play in supporting family members and loved ones. We also know many carers miss out on financial support they may be entitled to.

If you'd like advice about Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other benefits, get in touch.

Have your circumstances changed recently?

Many benefit claimants don't realise that changes to their health, work, income, savings, housing, family situation, or caring responsibilities may need to be reported.

Reporting changes promptly can help ensure you're receiving the correct entitlement and avoid problems further down the line.

Every benefit has different rules, so if you're unsure whether a change needs reporting, seek advice before making assumptions.

📢 Save this post for future reference and share it with someone who may find it helpful.

📋 Applying for benefits? Having the right documents ready can help make the process quicker and reduce delays.

Different benefits require different information, so we've put together a simple guide covering some of the most common benefits, including Universal Credit, PIP, Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit, Carer's Allowance and Pension Credit.

💡 Remember: this is a general guide. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide additional evidence.

Save this post for future reference and share it with someone who may be preparing a benefit claim.

Need help with an application, mandatory reconsideration, appeal, or benefits check?

📞 Reading Welfare Rights provides free, confidential advice and support.

🚨 **Hosepipe Ban Starts Today** 🚨

Many people don't realise they may be exempt from the Thames Water hosepipe ban due to a disability, medical condition, or essential healthcare need.

If you or someone in your household relies on medical equipment, has a chronic illness, mobility difficulties, or certain disabilities, you may be eligible for an exemption.

📞 Before applying, you must first join Thames Water's Priority Services Register by calling **0800 009 3652** or registering online through Thames Water.

📢 Please share this post to help spread the word. Many eligible residents may not be aware that exemptions are available.

At Reading Welfare Rights, we're committed to sharing information that helps our community access the support and services they're entitled to.

💬 Did you know that exemptions to the hosepipe ban exist?

One of the biggest barriers to claiming Pension Credit is making assumptions.

Every week we speak to people who thought they wouldn't qualify because they own their home, have some savings, or receive a private pension.

The reality is that entitlement depends on your individual circumstances.

That's why it's always worth checking.

If you know someone over State Pension age, please share this post with them.

A simple benefit check could make a significant difference to their income and access to support.

Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK.

Many people assume they won't qualify because they own their home, have some savings, or receive a pension.

But a successful claim can provide extra income and open the door to additional support with everyday costs.

If you're over State Pension age, or know someone who is, it may be worth checking entitlement.

Please share this post to help spread awareness.

One of the biggest mistakes people make on Attendance Allowance forms is focusing on their diagnosis instead of the help they need.

The benefit is based on the impact your condition has on your daily life.

If you've ever completed a benefits form, you'll know how difficult it can be to describe the challenges you face every day.

Sometimes the difference between a successful and unsuccessful claim is how those difficulties are explained.

Share this post to help someone avoid a common Attendance Allowance mistake.

When people hear "Attendance Allowance", they often think of physical disabilities.

But many people qualify because of dementia, memory problems, mental health conditions, or other illnesses that affect their daily life and safety.

The key question is not your diagnosis—it's whether you need help, support, or supervision.

Please share this post to help raise awareness of support that many people don't realise exists.

Could you or a loved one be missing out on Attendance Allowance?

Many older people are eligible but don't claim because they assume they won't qualify.

If a health condition, disability, or illness means you need help with daily living or supervision to stay safe, it may be worth checking your entitlement.

Please share this post to help others learn about the support available.

Many people miss out on Attendance Allowance because they've heard information that simply isn't true.

The rules can be confusing, and it's easy to assume you won't qualify when you actually might.

If you know someone over State Pension age with a health condition, disability, or illness that affects their daily life, share this post with them.

📞 Reading Welfare Rights provides free benefits advice and support.