Newham Voices reader and supporter Janet Greaves has written with a kind donation (thanks Janet!) but also with some advice for pensioners and others who are feeling the pinch as money gets tight, inflation sets in and Covid continues to squeeze job opportunities.

Janet gives a couple of examples of money advice where readers might get help. Claiming marriage allowance, for example. This is a tax break that allows the lowest earners to transfer over any of their unused personal tax-free allowance to their husband or wife or civil partner.

To be eligible you have to be born after 5 April 1935 and have one partner earning less than the personal tax allowance and one paying the basic rate of income tax. Look for advice online – but beware of “reclaim” offers that may have a sting by scooping up a chunk of what you’re due.

Also there’s the pension credit that can provide a valuable income boost (particularly in a year when inflation may wipe out the £5 a week pension increase due in April). Up to a million eligible older people fail to claim this benefit each year. This is a mean-tested benefit that can boost retirement income by up to £177 a week for a single person and £270 for couples.

It’s always worth checking if you’re eligible for this, having personal savings or owning your own home does not immediately mean you are excluded.

If you have any suggestions and advice to share send it to us – editor@newhamvoices.co.uk

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