Compass - Factsheets & Guides

Social Fund, Advances of Benefit and Local Welfare Provision - Factsheet

The Social Fund is a scheme to help people with expenses that are difficult to meet from a low income and includes:
 Winter Fuel Payments
 Cold Weather Payments
 Funeral Payments.
Advances of Benefit are a form of payment that replaced the discreti

Carer's Allowance - Factsheet

This factsheet explains what Carer’s Allowance is, the eligibility criteria, and how to make a claim.
It also explains how Carer’s Allowance may impact on any other benefits you or, the person you are caring for, are receiving, and what to do if you have

Benefits for people under Pension Credit age - Factsheet

This factsheet gives information about benefits for people under Pension Credit age (this is rising and is 63 and 9 months as of April 2017 and will be 64 and 6 months by April 2018). It gives information about Universal Credit and how it affects people c

How to resolve problems and complain about social care - Factsheet

This factsheet shows you what to do if you are not satisfied with an aspect of the service you receive from your local authority. Some problems or issues can be resolved informally, for example via
discussion with the professional concerned.

Council tax support - Information Guide

Council Tax Support, also known as Council Tax Reduction, is a benefit to help people who are on a low
income or claiming certain benefits to pay some of their Council Tax bill.

Help with health costs - Factsheet

Most NHS services are free but there are charges for prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses and wigs and fabric supports.
This factsheet explains how the NHS Low Income Scheme helps people on a low income with charges.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards - Factsheet

This factsheet looks at the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). DoLS relate to people who lack mental capacity who need to be placed and detained in care homes or hospitals for their treatment or care and to protect them from harm.

Finding private rented accommodation - Factsheet

This factsheet provides information about finding private rented accommodation. It includes information about letting agencies, what to consider when viewing a property and things to think through before signing a tenancy agreement.

Care home checklist - Information Guide

This guide helps to find out as much as you can about a home beforehand it will help you make an informed choice.

Equity release - Factsheet

This factsheet provides information about different types of equity release, such as lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. It includes information on:
 what to consider before deciding on a particular plan
 equity release regulations

Home improvements and repairs - Factsheet

This factsheet provides information about the help you can get if your home is in a poor condition or unsuitable for your needs.
It includes information on the financial assistance and practical support available to help you make improvements.

Tenancy rights - security of tenure - Factsheet

This factsheet provides information on a tenants right to keep their home (security of tenure). It explains how different tenancies offer different levels of security, meaning some tenants can be evicted more easily than others.

Water advice - Factsheet

This factsheet offers tips on reducing water bills and how to save water.
It provides information on switching to a meter and how you can get help with the costs of water if you are eligible for the WaterSure Scheme.

Park homes - Factsheet

This factsheet gives information about the law relating to park homes (also called mobile homes or caravans).
It is aimed at park homeowners who are entitled to use their home as a permanent residence, not people staying or living holiday caravans.

Advance decisions, advance statements and living wills - Factsheet

There are things you can do to make sure others know how you would like to be cared for and which medical treatment(s) you would want to refuse, if you are ever unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
Preparing an advance statement

Challenging welfare benefit decisions - Factsheet

This factsheet explains who makes benefit decisions, how a decision can be challenged, and how to make complaints.

Dealing with debt - Factsheet

This factsheet aims to help you understand how to recognise and deal with debt problems, as well as where to seek assistance with debt.
Included is information about:
 the stages of debt advice
 how to seek assistance
 organisations that can help

Intermediate care and reablement - Factsheet

This factsheet explains intermediate care and reablement. These terms describe short-term NHS and social care support that aims to help you:
 avoid unnecessary admission to hospital
 be as independent as possible after an unplanned hospital stay

Equality, discrimination and the Public Sector Equality Duty - Factsheet

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010 and combines almost all UK previous anti-discrimination laws in one single law.
One of its most important aims is to consolidate and update the Public Sector Equality Duty - a duty for public bodies

Homelessness - Factsheet

This factsheet gives information about homelessness. It explains how your local authority can help you if you are homeless and the circumstances in which it has a duty to rehouse you.
Information on the allocation of council and housing association housi