Benefits
This provides an overview of benefits available, including how to make a claim and how payments are made. Also, how to get benefit entitlements and knowing what changes may affect these.
Pensions
These are a form of saving for retirement, with some tax advantages. When retiring or reaching a certain age, a pension scheme will pay a regular income for life - includes information on state, company and personal pensions.
Tax
Information on types of tax, how each tax is worked out and collected. This covers income tax, inheritance tax, tax on savings and investments.
Income, investments and debt
Information on managing savings and investments, getting financial advice and dealing with debts.
Personal budgets and Self-directed support
A guide published by Essex County Council.
The Relatives & Residents Association (Essex)
About 40% of people living in residential care are self funders paying their own fees and costs. For people who cannot afford the fees, the Local Authority may fund the care. This is means tested. Other arrangements apply to people needing long term medical or nursing care. Funding residential care is complex and we strongly recommend you get expert and independent advice from our helpline 0845 017 7720 or another source.
Young disabled people
Directgov offer advice on your transition to adult services and provide information on the choices you have to make on financial issues and independent living.
The Essex Community Directory
This website contains information on money and benefits, is an easy to read guide as to what is available in your local area and across Essex. All the information includes details about access for people who are disabled. It is produced in an easy read format using pictures, symbols and text which makes this an ideal resource for people with learning disabilities.
Wills
Advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Advice Guide on making a will, solicitors, executors, changing, challenging or destroying a will,
Information from Age Concern
Advice on making a will: includes witnessing, going to a solicitor, appointing an executor, revising and storing wills, and what happens if someone dies without having made a will.
Bereavement
Dealing with someone's estate
When a person dies, somebody has to arrange the funeral and deal with the estate (money, property and possessions owned by the person who has died). This Age Concern factsheet provides information on the ways in which the money may be collected, the debts paid and the balance distributed to those who are entitled to receive a share in the estate.
Funeral arrangements
An advice guide information on types of funeral, Funeral Directors, prepaid funeral plans and costs plus a link to the Social Fund for people on a low income.
Bereavement benefits
An advice guide information on various benefits that may be claimed on a bereavement and who is entitled to them.
Registering a death
Step-by-step guidance on what is required and what is involved to register a death in England and Wales.
