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Benefits M.O.T.

What is a Benefits M.O.T.?

A benefit M.O.T. is where we take a closer look at the benefits you are getting; we do this by using an online calculator and entering your financial details. To properly prepare for this you can download the Information checklist.​

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There is also an on-page summary of information below

What are the advantages of a Benefit M.O.T. ?

  • Sometimes we find that people are entitled to more than they are getting or assured that they are getting everything they can

  • You can apply for any extra benefits it outlines directly from the calculator summary you get afterwards

  • If you have already done your Benefit M.O.T. and collected your information, then filling in information is much quicker as you already have it on hand.

Are you already getting help from an S6 Foodbank? 

If you are already getting help from an S6 Foodbank, then there may be some extra help with this. Simply ask at the door or your table when you attend.

Summary of information needed

​Household Details

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  • Are you single or living with someone as a couple?

  • How many children do you get Child Benefits payments for and how old are they (you will need D.O.B)

  • How many non-dependants live with you? (grown-up children, other adults) and how old are they

  • How many lodgers/boarders live with you

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Personal Circumstances

Has anything in the household changed recently?​

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  • New Baby?

  • Child stared or left school?

  • Partner moved in or left?

  • Bereavment?*

  • New job or job loss?

  • Illness or disability?

  • Other (please give details 

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If Someone in the household is ill or disabled

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  • Who is ill or disabled?

  • Do they need help with personal care or mobility?

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Full details of household income, information required will include...

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  • State benefits, and Tax Credits that you, your partner, or non-dependants living with you already get

  • Amounts everyone gets, and how often (weekly/monthly)

  • Is anything being deducted from your benefits (perhaps to repay a Social Fund loan), if so, how much and what for

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Are you, your partner or non-dependant working, is so the following information is required for each person

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  • How many jobs

  • How many hours

  • Gross income (before you/they are taxed)

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Have you or your partner started or left a job in the last 12 months?

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  • If yes, when were the start and leave dates?

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You will need to give amounts if you or your partner get or pay into any of the following

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  • INTO occupational or private pension

  • If you GET an occupational or private pension

  • Income from savings or investments (for example interest on a savings account)

  • Any income from lodgers/boarders?

  • Capital (Savings) Any savings, investments or other capital (for example: ISA's, shares, Property that you don't live in). Give a total of all added together

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Housing, what is your housing status?

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  • Owner (you will need to state if owned outright or mortgaged)

  • Rent

  • Staying with friends

  • Shared ownership (part rent/mortgage)

  • Homeless

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If you own your own home

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  • When did you take out the mortgage?

  • How much are the mortgage payments

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If you rent

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  • Are you in social or private rented property?

  • How much is the rent?

  • Does your rent include and bills, services, meals (have details ready)?

  • Do you get any rent-free weeks?

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Council Tax

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  • How much is your Council Tax (after any discounts, but ignore any Council Tax Benefits you get)

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Childcare Costs

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  • Who provides the childcare?

  • How much do you pay?

  • Does this vary during the year perhaps due to holidays or term time?

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