National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage has benefited 1.3 million workers in the UK (70% of whom are women). From 1 October 2006, it stands at £5.35 per hour (£4.45 for 18-21 year olds, and £3.30 for 16 & 17 year olds). If you are not being paid this rate, telephone 0845 6000 678.
Visit www.dti.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minium-wage for more information.

Winter Fuel Allowance
17,280 pensioners in Stockton South are benefiting from the Winter Fuel Allowance (£200 per year, or £300 for households with someone aged over 80).
To find out if you qualify, telephone 0845 9 15 15 15 (textphone 0845 601 5613).
Visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel for more information.

Sure Start
There are now 1,000 Sure Start Children's Centres around the country. Sure Start operates in Parkfield & Victoria, and in Mandale, Village & Stainsby in my constituency.
For more information, telephone 01642 527 222 or visit http://www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/learning/SureStart/

Pension Credit
4,000 pensioner households receive Pension Credit in Stockton South (average award: £39 per week)
Helpline 0800 99 1234.
Visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit for more information.

Child Trust Fund
A £250 voucher (£500 for children from lower income families) for parents to set up personal savings or investment accounts for all children born after 1st September 2002. For more information, telephone 0845 302 1470 (textphone 0845 366 7870) or visit www.childtrustfund.gov.uk

New Deal
1.6 million people have gained employment through one of the New Deal programmes (for Young People; for 25+; for Lone Parents; for Disabled People; for 50+; and for Partners).
For more information, telephone 0845 606 2626 (textphone 0845 606 6080)  or visit http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/New_Deal

Education Maintenance Allowance
Earn as you learn' scheme, which provides up to £30 per week to students aged 16-18 in full-time education, depending on their household income.
To find out if you qualify, telephone 0808 101 6219.
Visit www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema for more information.

Warm Front
Warm Front provides a range of heating and insulation measures to vulnerable households. It has assisted more than 1 million households in England since its launch in 2000, and almost 250 households in Stockton South this year alone.
To find out if you qualify, telephone 0800 316 6011.
Visit www.eagagroup.com/grants/warmfront for more information.