Support Services

Selsey Town Council provides signposting to local services which seek to support all members of the community. The Council is also a collection point for the Selsey Food Bank and supplies those eligible with Food Bank Vouchers.

Please do not hesitate to contact our offices via telephone during our working hours Monday to Friday 9:30 - 16:00 on 01243 605603 or email us at enquiries@selseytowncouncil.gov.uk

The office is open to the public from 10am until 3pm from Monday to Friday.

Benefit Guidance

Attendance Allowance:

What is it?

Attendance Allowance is support for those that have reached state pension age and have an illness or age related issues that make living independently more difficult. It is not means tested.

Who can apply?

You must be of state pension age and meet some of the following criteria:

Have a physical disability or illness, mental disability or both that means caring for yourself has become harder
You will need to have had your disability or illness for at least six months (unless you have a terminal illness)
You must be in Great Britain when you claim and you must have been in Great Britain for two of the last three years
You must not be subject to immigration control
If you are terminally ill then there is no qualifying period; ask a medical professional or your GP for a DS1500 form
If you are in a care home and paying for your own care, you can still apply for Attendance Allowance

How do I apply?

You can call the Attendance Allowance Helpline (0800 731 0122) and ask them to send you a form OR you can print the form from the website www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance OR you can make an appointment at Selsey Care Shop (01243 201616) OR contact Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848)

The form can be quite daunting and needs to be completed in a way that the assessor will understand how you manage certain activities. We recommend that you seek help in completing the form.

Blue Badge Scheme:

What is it?

A blue badge allows those with disabilities (including mental health issues) or mobility related illnesses to access services more easily by enabling them to park closer to their destination. If you have a blue badge, you can either be the driver of a vehicle or be a passenger.

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply, regardless of age if they meet the following criteria:

Have an illness or disability (including mental heath issues) that means that they are unable to walk, have difficulty walking, are at risk of danger when walking or have mental heath issues that mean you may harm yourself of others when walking
If you are registered as blind or already receive certain disability benefits related to mobility
If you have a disability in both arms

How do I apply?

ou can apply online by visiting www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge OR you can make an appointment with Citizens Advice (0808 278 7969).

The form can be quite daunting and needs to be completed in a way that the assessor will understand how you manage certain activities. We recommend that you seek help in completing the form.

Carers Allowance:

What is it?

If you care for someone for more than 35 hours per week and that person is in receipt of Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (formally Disability Living Allowance), then you could be entitled to financial support.

Who can apply?

You must meet some of the following criteria:

Be over 16 years of age and be caring for someone for at least 35 hours per week
You must not be in full time education or studying for more than 21 hours per week
You must normally live in the UK and have been in the UK for two of the last three years
You must not be subject to immigration control
You must earn less that £132 per week after tax and national insurance

How do I apply?

You can make a claim online by visiting www.gov.uk/carers-allowance OR you can print a form from the website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carers-allowance-claim-form OR you can make an appointment with the Selsey Care Shop (01243 201616) OR you can contact Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848)

Pension Credit:

What is it?

Pension Credit is an income-related benefit for those who are currently receiving a state pension.

Who can apply?

You must meet the following criteria:

Live in England, Scotland or Wales
You and your partner must have reached state pension age
OR if one of you is receiving Housing Benefits for people over state pension age

How do I apply?

You can apply online by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit OR call the Pension Credit Claim line (0800 99 1234).

If you need assistance, please contact Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848).