The Playbook
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Everything you need to claim what you're owed — in one place, all free.
⚡ Start here
Run the 60-second check, save your results to your plan, then work down the checklist below.
🪜 The Money Ladder New · Members only
A step-by-step climb in plain English: stop what's costing you money, get stable, build wealth the way the well-off do, earn more, and protect it. Start at whatever rung you're on.
Start climbing →🪄 Claim Pack Generator Your perk: free PDF
Answer a few questions and we'll fill out your Rent Tax Credit claim for you — then download the completed pack as a PDF (free for you as a member). Your details never leave your device.
Open the Claim Pack Generator →🎁 Refer a friend, earn rewards
Know someone who's owed money they're not claiming? Share The People's Pocket and earn exclusive cheat sheets — and free membership — as a thank-you. Your unique referral link is at the bottom of every newsletter we send.
See the rewards & how it works →✅ Your claims checklist Tick as you go
The highest-value claims for Ireland — tick each one off as you claim it (saved on your device).
Tip: most Revenue credits can be backdated 4 years — claim them all in one sitting.
📝 Swipe File Library Members only
Ready-to-use letters and scripts that do the hard part for you. Fill in the [brackets], hit Copy, and send. We add new ones regularly.
1. Challenge an illegal rent increase (Ireland)
If your landlord raises the rent above the 2% Rent Pressure Zone cap, send this.
Dear [Landlord's name], Re: Proposed rent increase at [rental property address] Thank you for your notice dated [date of notice] proposing to increase the monthly rent from [current rent] to [proposed rent]. I understand this property is located in a Rent Pressure Zone. Under the Residential Tenancies Acts, rent in a Rent Pressure Zone may not be increased by more than the permitted amount (currently a maximum of 2% per year). The increase you have proposed appears to exceed this limit. I would be grateful if you could: 1. Confirm the rent review complies with the Rent Pressure Zone rules; and 2. Provide the calculation used to arrive at the proposed figure. If we cannot resolve this, I reserve the right to refer the matter to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution, which is free. I value our tenancy and hope to resolve this amicably. Kind regards, [Your name] [Date]
2. Get your deposit back
Landlord holding your deposit for "wear and tear"? Send this first — most cave before it reaches the RTB.
Dear [Landlord's name], Re: Return of deposit — [rental property address] I vacated the above property on [date] and returned the keys in good order. To date, my deposit of [deposit amount] has not been returned. Normal wear and tear is not a valid reason to withhold a deposit. If you intend to make any deduction, please provide an itemised list with receipts or quotes for each item within 7 days. If the deposit (or the balance owed) is not returned within 14 days of this letter, I will refer the matter to the Residential Tenancies Board, whose dispute resolution service is free to tenants. I would prefer to resolve this directly. Please confirm by return. Kind regards, [Your name] [Date]
3. Haggle any bill — phone script
The exact words to get a "retention" deal on energy, broadband or mobile. Stay calm and friendly — it works.
YOU: "Hi — I've been a customer for [X years] and my contract is up. I've
seen [competitor] offering [their price]. I'd rather stay, but I can't pay
more than them. What's the best you can do to keep me?"
→ If they offer a small discount:
YOU: "I appreciate that, but it's still more than [competitor]. Can you put
me through to your retentions/cancellations team to see what they can do?"
→ Retentions almost always have better deals. Repeat the competitor price.
YOU: "If you can match [price], I'll stay today. If not, I'll switch."
→ Always be polite, never threaten. Silence after you ask is your friend
— let them fill it. Note the agent's name and the deal in writing.
If they won't budge: switch. The saving is worth the 15 minutes.
4. Appeal a refused payment or grant
Refused something you think you qualify for? You usually have the right to a review or appeal. Send this.
To: [Department / office name] Re: Request for review/appeal — [scheme name], ref [your reference number] I am writing to request a review of the decision dated [date] to refuse my application for [scheme name]. I believe I meet the qualifying conditions because [briefly state your reason — e.g. income, circumstances, documents provided]. I have enclosed [list any supporting documents]. Please treat this as a formal request for a review/appeal of the decision. If the decision is upheld, please confirm my right to appeal further and the deadline to do so. I look forward to your response. Yours faithfully, [Your name] [Date] · [PPS/National Insurance number]
5. Remote-working relief — ask your employer
To claim Ireland's eWorker relief you need a few figures. This quick email gets them.
Hi [Manager / HR name], I'm claiming the Remote Working Relief from Revenue for the days I work from home, and I need to confirm a couple of details: 1. The number of days I worked from home in [year]; and 2. Confirmation that I was not paid the €3.20/day tax-free remote allowance (or, if I was, the total amount paid). A short email confirming these is all Revenue needs. Thanks so much! [Your name]
6. Challenge your Council Tax band (UK)
If your home looks over-banded, this asks the Valuation Office to review it — a lower band means a lower bill and a backdated refund.
To: The Valuation Office Agency Re: Council Tax band review — [your full address, including postcode] I believe my property may be in the wrong Council Tax band. Similar neighbouring properties of comparable size and type appear to be in a lower band, and my estimate of the property's 1991 value supports this. Please review the banding of my property. I'd be grateful for confirmation of the evidence used to set the current band, and details of how to formally challenge it if appropriate. Thank you, [Your name] · [Contact details]
7. Dispute an energy bill or overcharge
For a bill that looks wrong, an estimated read gone mad, or a surprise charge. Calm, firm, on the record.
To: [Supplier] — Customer Care Account: [account number] · [your address] I'm writing to formally query my recent bill dated [date], which I believe is incorrect. [Briefly: e.g. "It's based on an estimated reading far above my actual usage" / "It includes a charge I didn't agree to."] My actual meter reading today is [reading]. Please: 1. Re-issue a corrected bill based on the accurate reading, and 2. Confirm in writing what the disputed charge relates to. Please treat this as a formal complaint and confirm receipt within 5 working days. If unresolved, I'll refer it to the energy ombudsman. [Your name]
8. Request a refund for faulty goods
Your consumer rights are stronger than the shop makes out. This puts a faulty-item refund in writing.
To: [Retailer] Re: Faulty item — order/receipt [number], purchased [date] The [item] I bought is faulty: [briefly describe the fault]. Under consumer law I'm entitled to a repair, replacement or refund for goods that are not of satisfactory quality or as described. I'd like a [refund / replacement]. Please confirm how you'll resolve this and arrange any return at no cost to me. A "no refunds" policy doesn't override my statutory rights. I look forward to your reply within 14 days. [Your name] · [Contact details]
9. Ask for breathing space on bills or arrears
Behind on something? Lenders and suppliers must treat you fairly. This opens the conversation and buys time.
To: [Company / lender] Account: [number] I'm currently having financial difficulty and want to deal with this responsibly rather than miss payments without contact. I'd like to: 1. Agree a realistic, affordable payment arrangement, and 2. Ask that you pause any additional charges or collection action while we sort this out. I'm also getting free advice from [MABS (Ireland) / Citizens Advice or StepChange (UK)]. Please confirm what options you can offer. Thank you for your understanding, [Your name]
🎯 Done-for-you claim packs Members only
Everything you need to claim the big ones, in order — what it's worth, what to have ready, and the exact steps. Tick them off as you go.
Rent Tax Credit (Ireland)
You'll need: your PPS number, the rented address, your landlord's name, the RTB number (if you have it), and total rent paid per year.
- Log in to Revenue myAccount → PAYE Services → Review your tax.
- Pick a year (go back to 2022) → complete an Income Tax Return.
- Under Tax Credits & Reliefs → You and your family, add the Rent Tax Credit.
- Enter your tenancy details and submit. Repeat for each renting year.
Pension Credit (UK)
You'll need: National Insurance number, income & savings details, and bank account info — for you (and a partner if you have one).
- Use a quick benefits check first to confirm it's worth claiming.
- Call the Pension Credit claim line (claims can backdate 3 months — so don't delay).
- Have your income/savings to hand; the call walks you through it.
- Once awarded, it acts as a "passport" — apply for the linked help (Council Tax, winter payments).
Tax refund (Ireland & UK)
You'll need: your online tax account login, and receipts for medical/work/rent costs you want to claim.
- Log in (Revenue myAccount in Ireland, HMRC personal tax account in the UK).
- Review each of the last 4 years for overpaid tax and a wrong tax code.
- Add every credit/relief: medical, rent, work-from-home, flat-rate expenses, Marriage Allowance.
- Submit — refunds are paid to your bank, usually within days. Skip the rebate firms that take a cut.
📄 Downloadable cheat sheets Save as PDF
One-page references with every key credit, grant and benefit — amounts and where to claim. Open one, then tap "Save as PDF" (great to print and stick on the fridge).
🇮🇪 Ireland Money Cheat Sheet 2026
Every Irish tax credit, grant and support on one page.
Open & save as PDF →🇬🇧 UK Benefits Cheat Sheet 2026
The UK benefits most people miss — amounts & where to claim.
Open & save as PDF →🗞️ This week's briefing
The grants, deadlines and tricks worth knowing this week. A fresh one lands every week.
SEAI solar top-up confirmed for 2026
You can now stack solar with attic insulation for a bigger combined grant — apply for insulation first.
SUSI student grant applications open
Thresholds rose — households that didn't qualify before often do now.
Two supermarkets running fake "multi-buy" deals
Three specific offers where buying singly is cheaper. Always check the unit price.
⏰ Your deadline tracker
Warm Home Discount — register interest
£150 off electricity — some suppliers need you to opt in for winter.
SUSI student grant — main round
Apply early to have funding confirmed before term.
Rent credit & medical relief backdating
Each year you wait, the oldest claimable year drops off.
📚 Your step-by-step guides
Full walkthroughs — start with the biggest-money ones.
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