You may be able to get money from the government to help increase your income. This section has more information about benefits and about grants and loans that may be available for specific housing costs. There are many different types of benefits available and it's important to check whether you are getting everything you are entitled to.

Claiming benefits can be complicated, so it's a good idea to get advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau or another advice centre.

About benefits and tax credits

This page explains the basic facts about benefits. How they are calculated and what you must do to apply. More

Claiming benefits

Whatever kind of benefit you are applying for there are certain rules you should follow. More

Crisis loans

You can apply for a crisis loan if you need financial help because of an emergency or disaster. This is a loan to cover the cost of essential things that you can't afford. If you get one, you will have to pay it back. You can apply for up to £1,000. More

Jobseeker's allowance

Jobseeker's allowance is paid to unemployed people who are looking for work. Men under 65 and women under 60 may be eligible if looking for work. The amount of jobseeker's allowance you may qualify for depends on your circumstances. More

Income support

Income support is meant to fill the gap between your needs and your income. The amount of income support you receive depends on your personal circumstances. If you are looking for work you should claim jobseeker's allowance. More

Disability Living Allowance

You can claim disability living allowance (DLA) if you are under 65 and need help with personal care, getting around, or both because of an illness or disability. The amount you will get depends on how much help you need. More

Community care grants

Community care grants help people on income support or jobseeker's allowance who need extra financial help to let them live independently. Unlike crisis loans and budgeting loans you don't have to pay back community care grants. More

Budgeting loans

You can get a budgeting loan of up to £1, 500 from the Social Fund. It can help you to spread the cost of essential things over a more manageable period. If you get a budgeting loan, you will have to pay it back. More

Tax credits

If you are over 16 and on a low income, you can apply for tax credits, which are paid by the Inland Revenue. More

Pension credit

Pension credit is intended to make sure that no-one over the age of 60 has to live below a minimum income level. More

Other benefits

You may be able to get money from the government to help increase your income. There are many different types of benefits available and it's important to check whether you are getting everything you are entitled to. More