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This page explains the basic facts about benefits. How they are calculated and what you must do to apply.
Who can apply for benefits and tax credits?
You may be able to get benefits if you:
- have a low income,
- have children,
- are sick or disabled,
- are a full time carer,
- have been bereaved.
You may be able to get tax credits if you:
- have children,
- are working but have a low income.
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Can I get more than one benefit or tax credit at a time?
Yes, if you are entitled to one benefit, then you may be entitled to others. For example, if you are receiving incapacity benefit, you may also be entitled to income support, disability living allowance and housing benefit.
Working out which benefits you may entitled to and which ones you will be better off claiming can be complicated, so it is a good idea to get advice if you are thinking about claiming benefits.
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Where can I get help?
You can get advice from your lCitizens Advice Bureau or other advice centre. An adviser will be able to help you:
- find out what you're entitled to,
- fill in application forms,
- check that you are receiving the correct amount,
- appeal if your application is turned down.
If you are disabled, telephone the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200 for help with filling in benefit forms. If you are deaf or have a hearing disability, use the minicom line on 0800 24 33 55.
You can find out more about benefits at the Social Security Agency's website. The EntitledTo website also has online calculators to help you work out which benefits you can claim.
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How do I make an application?
To apply for most benefits you will need to fill in a form, which you can get from your local Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office. You can also download most forms from the internet.
Ask if you are not sure which form you need to complete. You should fill in and return any paperwork as quickly as possible. If you can, hand in your completed form in person and get a receipt in case there are problems later. Take photocopies of everything if you can.
It is possible to make claims for pension credit, income support and jobseeker's allowance by telephone.
You will normally need to provide your national insurance number and possibly proof of your identity (such as a birth certificate or passport) and proof of your income (such as your benefit book or wage slips). If you don't provide this information, your claim could be stopped or delayed. If you are having problems providing this information, get advice. Back to top
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