| Index »Benefit system in the uk |
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| Benefit system in the uk |
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| Please bear in mind that the information given in this section is only a general guide to benefits to which you may be entitled. It is not a full and authoritative statement of the law, or benefit entitlement. The rates and benefit amount change from year to year |
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| Benefit System - An Overview |
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| The benefits system provides practical help and financial support if you
are unemployed and looking for work. It also provides you with additional income when your earnings are low, if you are bringing up children, are retired, care for someone, are ill or have a disability.
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| The government has a range of benefits to provide opportunities and
support. These are handled by various departments and agencies. If you are entitled to any of these benefits, you will need to claim them from the right place.
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| To qualify for a particular benefit you must meet the conditions that the government specifies. Benefits are available for people of working age, for pensioners, for families and children, and for disabled people and their carers. Each of these areas is handled by different departments or parts of departments. Making a claim from the right area will make sure you get your benefit as quickly as possible.
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| Everyone who has a child is entitled to claim Child Benefit. Additional
support is available for families who have particular requirements, such as children with special needs, lone parent families, expecting a baby and so on
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| Jobcentre Plus looks after benefits and services for families, including
those:
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bringing up children, including children with special needs |
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managing on a low income, including help with health costs |
| The Child Support Agency (CSA) is part of the DWP and is responsible for
running the child support system. It assesses, collects and pays child maintenance.HM Revenue & Customs deals with Child Benefit, Guardian's Allowance and tax credits.
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| WHO QUALIFIES FOR WHAT - A BRIEF ANALYSIS
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| There are a number of other benefits and rights that you may be entitled to. The following
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| If you are:
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| Pregnant or have a baby
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| You can find out about maternity benefits by contacting your employer (if you are employed) or the Benefits Agency (if you are unemployed).
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| Sick and cannot get to work
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| Contact your employer about sick pay.
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| Disabled
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| Contact the Disability and Carers service through one of their Disability Service Centres or by phoning the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.
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| Faced with exceptional expenses
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| You may be faced with exceptional expenses that you can't pay out of your regular income, in which case you may be able to get a grant or loan to tide you over in a crisis. Contact your local Social Security office. If you are on a low income or have children to support, you might be able to claim benefit payments. Benefits are paid for by the Department for Work and Pensions and local councils. Parents or adults responsible for children under the age of 16 can claim Child Benefit, no matter what level of income they have. If you are aged between 16 and 59, on a low income and work less than 16 hours a week, you may be eligible for Income Support. If you are actively looking for work, but unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week, you may be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance. If you are looking for work, on a low income or have children to support, you might be might be able to claim benefit payments.The Government's Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for most benefits, but local councils can also help with things like rent and council tax.
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| Child Benefit
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| Parents or adults responsible for children under the age of 16 (or under
19 if in full time education) can claim Child Benefit, no matter what level of income they have. You can claim £17.45 per week for the eldest child, and £11.70 per week for each child after that. You can claim online or contact your nearest Child Benefit Office on 0845 302 1444.
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| Income Support
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| If you are aged between 16 and 59, on a low income and work less than 16
hours a week, you may be eligible for Income Support. Everyone's claim is different, so the amount you would get depends on your
personal circumstances. You can claim from your nearest Jobcentre Plus office.
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| Jobseeker's Allowance
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| If you are actively looking for work, but unemployed or working less than
16 hours a week, you may be able to claim this benefit. However, you are unlikely to get this if you are under 18 years old.
There are exceptions, for example of you're look after children. For further information, visit the Jobcentre Plus web site or contact your nearest office.
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| Housing Benefit
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| If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with paying your
rent. Single people under 25 can only claim Housing Benefit for a bedsit or one room in a shared accommodation. To claim Housing Benefit, contact the Housing Benefits department at your local council.
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| Council Tax Benefit
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| If you are on a low income, you may be able to get some money paid towards your council tax. The level of assistance you get will depend on your circumstances. To claim Council Tax Benefit, contact Council Tax Benefits department at your local council.
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| Other benefits
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| As well as benefits for pregnant women about to give birth and new
mothers, there are also a range of benefits for people who are sick or disabled and unable to work, and for those caring for a disabled person.
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You may also be eligible for special loans or grants to help you
pay off unique expenses that you can't afford. Our related links can give you more information. |
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| Types of Benefits
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Benefits for Families and Children |
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Benefits for people of working age |
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Benefits for people who have retired or who are
Planning to retire |
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Benefits for disabled people and carers |
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Changes that affect your benefits |
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How do you get paid |
| ( Due to its complex nature and interrelations, It is difficult to
classify them in an order, however it can be grouped generally)
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| At a glance, The benefit recipients would fall into one or more of the
following:
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Able to work and looking for work |
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Bringing up children |
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Caring for someone |
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Caring for people with special needs |
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Diabled |
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Pregnant |
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Receiving low income |
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Separated/Divorced |
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Sick and unable to work |
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Studying or leaving school |
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Widowed
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| The following is the summary of benefits provided:
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Attendance Allowance |
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Bereavement Allowance |
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Carer's Allowance |
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Cold Weather's Payment |
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Community Care Grant |
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Crisis Loan |
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Disability Living Allowance |
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Employment and support Allowance |
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Funeral payment from the Social fund |
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Help for Carers |
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Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit |
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Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Extended Payments |
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Incapacity Benefit |
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Income Support |
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Industrial Injuries disablement Benefit |
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Jobseeker's Allowance |
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Maternity Allowance |
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Severe Disablement allowance |
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Social fund |
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Sure start Maternity Grant from the Social fund |
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Tax Credits |
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Winter fuel Payments from the Social Fund
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| Note: The above list is a general guide and can not be considered as a comprehensive list.
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| LET US LOOK IN TO EACH BENEFITS IN DETAIL
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| 1. Benefits for Families and Children
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| TAX CREDITS
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| If you're struggling to keep your head above water with everyday costs, government help is at hand. Here's how to make sure you're getting that all-important boost to your income.
Tax credits are payments from the government to help people living in the UK with everyday costs. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person who usually lives with you, you may be eligible for Child Tax Credit.If you work, but earn low wages, you may be eligible for working Tax Credits. You do not need to have children to be eligible to claim Working Tax Credit. |
| If you are married, in a civil partnership or living together you must claim as a couple. Your tax credits are worked out for a tax year, from 6 April to 5 April.Tax Credit Office work out how much to pay you during the year from what you tell them about your income and your family. You could lose money if you wait to claim.
Tax credits can normally only be backdated up to three months.Tax credits are flexible and change when your life changes. So you need to tell the Tax Credit Department about the changes in your circumstances straight away. If you fail to inform the changes |
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You may not be getting all the money you are entitled to, or
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You could build up an overpayment that you have to pay back.
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| In a nutshell |
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Tax credits are a government benefit based on income and circumstance.
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There are two types of tax credit: the Child Tax Credit, generally available to individuals responsible for children or young adults, while the Working Tax credit mainly serves people in low-paid work. |
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Both types of tax credit are paid on a weekly or a monthly basis, depending on what suits you. The amount is paid directly into your bank, building society or Post Office account. |
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| Child Tax Credit |
| Child Tax Credit is payment from the government to support people with children. Eligibility and how much you get depends on your family income.If you or your partner are working and on a low income you may also be eligible for Working Tax Credit. |
| The following could be providing the answers to the questions regarding this benefit. |
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| Child tax credit - how do I qualify? |
| You are eligible to claim for Child Tax Credit if you are a parent/full time carer and responsible for at least one child under 16 or a young person in full-time education/a government-approved training program. You don't have to be working to claim, but you'll need to provide HM Revenue & Customs with the following details: |
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Your income;
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Your partner's income (if you have one);
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Any other children in your family.
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| What else should I know?
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| Child Tax Benefit is means-tested. So, if you make a claim then the amount you are entitled to will depend on your annual income and/or your partner's income if you live together. There are two elements to a Child Tax Credit payment: |
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A family element, worth up to £545 each year;
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A child element, worth up to £2,085 each year for every junior member of your family (from April 2008-2009). |
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| (These rates are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future). |
| The amount you receive will depend on your income and will be paid directly to the parent/carer. |
| How do I find out if I can claim? |
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Call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900.
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Have your National Insurance number at hand as you will be asked to provide it as proof of identity. |
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Should your circumstances change it could affect the number of tax credits your receive. Call the helpline if you have any change in terms of your household arrangements, number of children or work arrangements. |
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| Who can claim |
| Anyone with children can claim Child Tax Credit if their income is no more than £58,175 a year (up to £66,350 if you have a child under one). |
| (These rates are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future). |
| You don't have to be the child's parent to claim, but you must be the main person who's responsible for them. |
| Which Children Qualify |
| You can claim if the child is: |
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Aged 16 and under, up to 1 September after their 16th birthday
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Aged 16 but under the age of 20, if they're still in full time
education (up to and including 'A' levels, NVQ level 3 or Scottish Highers), or approved training like Entry to Employment, Skillbuild and Get Ready for Work. |
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| If the young person is aged between 16 and 17 and they're not in full time education, you can claim Child Tax Credit if all of the following apply: |
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They don't have a job or training place (unless on an approved
training course) |
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They have signed up with the Careers Service or Connexions Service
(Training and Employment Agency in Northern Ireland).
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| How much Child Tax Credit will I receive
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| The amount you get depends on various things, including: |
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your income (earnings and interest)
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your partner's or civil partner's income (if you have one)
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the children in your family.
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| The payment is made up of two elements: |
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A family element paid to any family with at least one child and
worth up to £545 (2007-2008 tax year).
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A child element paid for each child in the family and worth up to
£1,845 (2007-2008 tax year).
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| (These rates are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how
much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future). |
| You may get more if you care for a child under one or a disabled child.
If you are due tax credits ,the benefit office will backdate your payments to the date we received your claim. Sometimes we can backdate your claim for up to a maximum of 3 months. |
| Child Tax Credit is paid directly to the main carer for all the children in the family. You can choose to get payments weekly or every four weeks.Tax credits are paid directly into your bank, building society, Post Office® or National Savings account that accepts Direct Payment. |
| The payment is made up of two elements: |
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a family element paid to any family with at least one child
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a child element paid to each child in the You may get more if you
care for a child under one, or a disabled child.
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| How many children can I claim for? |
| You can claim for as many qualifying children as you are responsible for. |
| Can I claim for a child that only lives with me part-time? |
| Yes, as long as you are the adult who is mainly responsible.
If you cannot agree on who the main carer is then both claimants must apply for Child Tax Credit and we will decide who will receive it based on the information provided.If you do not agree with the benefit office, you have the right to appeal. |
| Do I have to be working to claim Child Tax Credit? |
| No, you do not have to be working to claim Child Tax Credit. |
| Is Child Tax Credit the same as Child Benefit? |
| No, they are two different things - Child Tax Credit is paid in addition to Child Benefit. |
| Who receives Child Tax Credit if I'm part of a couple? |
| Usually, the main carer for the children will receive Child Tax Credit. However you can HM Revenue & Customs who you want the payment to go to. |
| How often will I receive Child Tax Credit? |
| You can choose to receive payments weekly or every four weeks. HM Revenue & Customs will make your payments into your bank or building society account, or a Post Office card account. |
| What qualifies my child for the disability element? |
| If you receive a Disability Living Allowance or if the child is registered blind, he/she will qualify for the disability element of Child Tax Credit. If you wish to find out more, just give HM Revenue & Customs a call on 0845 300 3900 and they will be happy to answer any questions. |
| What qualifies my child for the severe disability element? |
| If the child you are responsible for is receiving DLA (Highest Rate Care Component) you may also receive the severe disability child element.
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| Working Tax Credit |
| Working Tax Credit is designed to help people on low incomes whether they are employed or self-employed and can include support for qualifying childcare.
You may be able to get extra help if you're working 30 or more hours per week, disabled, aged 50 or over and returning to work after a period on benefit. |
| The following could be providing the answers to the questions regarding this benefit. |
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| Who qualifies: |
| A range of different credits are available to help people on low incomes, or who work at least 16 hours a week. It also caters for people with disability, offering a maximum of £2,405 per year (2008-9).(These rates are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future). |
| What's involved? |
| Much depends on your income, and may affect other benefits you claim, such as housing benefit. |
| Do I have to be working to claim Working Tax Credit? |
| Yes, or at least beginning work within seven days of your claim. Volunteers or charity workers are not eligible. |
| If I'm changing jobs can I continue to claim as normal? |
| Yes, as long as the gap between jobs is not more than six days. If this is the case, we will need you to make a new claim based on the circumstances of your new job. |
| How many hours do I need to work to claim Working Tax Credit? |
| The amount of hours you need to work to claim is dependant on your age, whether or not you are responsible for any children or if you have any disabilities. For more information, give the tax credit office a call on 0845 300 3900. |
| Can I take maternity or adoption leave and still claim? |
| Yes, provided you worked at least 16 or 30 hours (whichever applied) immediately before going on your leave, you can continue to claim for the first 26 weeks. |
| Can I take paternity leave and still claim? |
| Yes, provided you worked at least 16 or 30 hours (whichever applied) immediately before going on your leave, you can continue to claim for the two weeks paternity leave and be paid Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) for those two weeks. |
| Can I still claim if I am on sick leave? |
| If you are off work for up to 28 weeks because of illness and are receiving: |
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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) |
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Short-term incapacity Benefit at the lower rate |
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Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity for work |
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National Insurance credits on the grounds of incapacity for work |
| Then you will still be able to claim Working Tax Credit, provided you work at least 16 or 30 hours a week (whichever applies) immediately before you started to receive any of these benefits. |
| How do I know if I qualify for the disabled worker element? |
| You may receive the disabled worker element if you work at least 16 hours a week and have a physical or mental disability, which puts you at a disadvantage of getting a job. |
| What is a disability that puts someone at a disadvantage of getting a job? |
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Seeing |
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Hearing |
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Communicating with others |
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Getting around |
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Using your hands |
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Reaching with your arms |
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Mental disabilities |
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Exhaustion and pain |
| We may ask you to give us the name of a healthcare professional, who can confirm the extent to which your disability affects you. |
| Can I get help with the cost of childcare? |
| Yes. The childcare element of Working Tax Credit can help with up to 80% of your childcare cost up to a maximum of £175 a week for one child and £300 a week for two or more children.
(These rates are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future). |
| How do I know if I qualify for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit? |
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(If you are a single parent) work 16 hours a week or more |
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(If you are in a couple) both of you must work 16 hours or more, or |
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One partner must work 16 hours a week or more and the other partner must be incapacitated, an in-patient in hospital or in prison. |
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| What happens if I change or stop my childcare arrangements? |
| As soon as any changes occur, give a call on 0845 300 3900 and the benefit office will work out your childcare situation with you. |
| Working tax credit - how do I qualify? |
| You're eligible to claim if you are: |
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Aged 16 or over and work 16 hours or more a week; |
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Aged 16 or over, in work and live with a disability; |
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Aged 16 or over, in work and responsible for one child or more; |
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Aged 25 or over and work at least 30 hours a week; |
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Expected to remain in employment for a minimum of four weeks.
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| What else should I know? |
| If you're living with a partner, working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours a week or more. If you're both working 16 hours a week or more, you must choose which one of you will receive the tax credit. |
| If you're a working parent, you may also qualify for help towards the cost of childcare. The Childcare Element forms part of the Working Tax Credit. This can amount to up to 80p for every £1 you pay out to registered child carers or nurseries. It is means-tested, however, so your income per year is used as a basis to calculate the amount of working tax credits you will receive. |
| How do I find out if I can claim? |
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Call the Working Tax Credit helpline on 0845 302 1415.
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Have your National Insurance number at hand as you will be asked to provide it as proof of identity. |
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Should your circumstances change it could affect the number of tax credits your receive. Call the Helpline if you have any change in terms of your work or childcare arrangements. |
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| Tax Credits - Some Important Questions Answered |
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| Why do I have to renew my award? |
| To make sure you continue receiving the right amount of tax credits the benefit office need you to renew your claim. By renewing together, the benefit office will make sure you are receiving the right payment and prevent you from having to re-pay them any tax credits you might have been given incorrectly. |
| How do I renew? |
| At renewal time, benefit office sends you a Renewal Pack to check on any changes you've had. Once you have received it, read the instructions as this will tell you what to do next.
Many claimants will only need to check the information on their Annual Review Form, while others will have to complete, sign and return an Annual Declaration form. For help with your renewal process give benefit office a call on 0845 300 3900. |
| Can benefit office help me with my renewals process? |
| Yes, for help with renewing, simply give us a ring on 0845 300 3900 and we will be happy to help you with your renewal and update your information with you. |
| Will my payments stop while I'm renewing? |
| No, we will continue to make provisional payments at the same rate you were entitled to until the end of the tax year. You will not need to apply for the provisional payments, as they will automatically be paid from the 6th of April. |
| How long will my provisional payments run for? |
| Your provisional payments will start from the 6th of April and continue until your new tax credits for the next year are awarded. The new award will be made once you supply the information we requested in your Renewal Pack. If you do not reply by the 31st of July, your payments will stop. |
| What happens if I do not supply the information requested in my Renewal Pack? |
| If you do not supply the requested information by the 31st of July, your payments will stop and we will ask you to repay any overpaid tax credits. |
| What information do I need to renew my award? |
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Your last payslip or P60 for the tax year ended April in a year. |
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Any receipts and records for childcare costs |
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Your Self Assessment tax return (if you have one) |
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Award notices we have sent you in the last tax year |
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Information about any taxable benefits you might have received |
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Information about any other income you may have had during the year |
| Will the amount of my award change? |
| The amount you receive might change as a result of recalculating your award, applying new tax credits rates and any change in circumstances that might have occurred. |
| What happens if I have been overpaid or underpaid? |
| If you have received too much tax credits, you may have to pay it back. However, if you have not received enough, the benefit office will pay the outstanding amount when they renew your award. |
| I claimed as part of a couple. Do we both need to renew? |
| No, you will only receive one Annual Declaration form for both of you to complete. |
| Do I still need to renew if I am no longer receiving tax credits? |
| Yes. If you receive an Annual Declaration form, you will need to complete and return it so we can confirm your circumstances and make sure we paid you the right amount of tax credits. |
| I have received more than one Annual Declaration form. Do I need to send them all back? |
| Yes, if your benefit office have sent you more than one form please complete and return them all. |
| Can I give you an estimated income figure? |
| Yes. If you do not have your actual income figures when you receive your statement, you can work out an estimated figure. Please remember that this amount must be confirmed by the 31st of January of the following year. |
| I haven't received a Renewal Pack. What should I do? |
| If you haven't heard from us by the end of June, please give your benefit office a ring on 0845 300 3900. |
| When do I have to tell your tax credit benefit office about changes to my work, childcare or household? |
| As soon as any changes in your life occur, give the benefit office a ring on 0845 300 3900 so benefit office can update your information with you. This way, they will make sure your payments are correct. |
| What happens if I don't inform benefit office of any changes? |
| If you don't keep benefit office updated, they wont be able to make sure you are getting the correct amount of money- you might be receiving less or more than you are entitled to. |
| Do I have to pay any penalties? |
| As well as paying back any overpayments, you could be subject to a penalty of up to £300 if you do not tell us of certain changes within one month. By giving benefit office a ring on 0845 300 3900 they can update your information together and avoid extra penalties. |
| What happens if I am being overpaid? |
| If you have not told us about any changes to your circumstances within the given time, you will have to pay back any overpaid tax credits.
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| If I have been overpaid, how do I pay it back? |
| If we find out about overpayment in the same tax year we will reduce the annual amount of money you receive to recover it. |
| If I have been underpaid, how far back can I claim tax credits? |
| Provided we are told of any changes, we will backdate up to 3 months or to the date the change occurred. |
| What information will I need in order to claim? |
| It would be useful to have the following to hand you when you complete the claim form: |
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National Insurance Number (NINO) |
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Child Benefit reference number |
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Statements of interest on savings |
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P60 or wage slips (if employed) for the last tax year |
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Self-employed - unique tax reference number and income documents |
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Total amount of taxable social security benefits received in the last tax year |
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Childcare provider information including the amount you pay |
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Bank / building society account and address details |
| I am not a UK National but I do live in the UK. Can I claim for tax credits? |
| You do not need to be a UK National to claim for tax credits. You should still complete and submit a tax credits claim. |
| I have 'no recourse to public funds' stamped on my passport. Am I entitled to tax credits? |
| Generally, no. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are married to, or have a partner who has no limitation on his or her leave to remain in the UK, you may be entitled to tax credits, providing you satisfy all the other qualifying criteria. |
| I have been outside the UK for more than 8 to 12 weeks. Can I still claim for my childcare costs? |
| A. As you have been outside of the UK for longer than 8 to 12 weeks you no longer qualify for tax credits. If you do not satisfy the conditions of entitlement to tax credits you can no longer claim for help toward your childcare costs.
If you are part of a couple and your partner remains in the UK whilst you are abroad for longer than 8 to 12 weeks, they should make a single claim for tax credits and they will be able to claim help towards relevant childcare costs if they satisfy all the other WTC entitlement conditions as a single claimant. |
| Q. I am waiting for a decision on a claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in respect of one or more of the children that I want to include on my tax credits claim - what should I do? |
| A. It may be to your advantage to tell us about this when you claim for tax credits. Please complete a paper claim and attach a covering letter explaining about the outstanding DLA claim. |
| Q. Does it affect my claim if any of my children receive Incapacity Benefit in their own right? |
| A. Yes, for the purposes of Child Tax Credit you are not treated as being responsible for a child, if that child receives Incapacity Benefit in their own right. You should not include that child in your claim even if they still live with you. If your child starts to receive Incapacity Benefit in their own right, after you have claimed, you must inform us immediately. |
| Q. I foster a child / young person or I have adopted a child or young person for whom I am still receiving payments. Can I claim Child Tax Credit this child? |
| A. If a child or young person has been placed with you for fostering, and you are receiving a payment from the Local Authority under section 23 of the Children Act to cover the cost of your child's accommodation and maintenance, you will not be able to claim Child Tax Credit for that child. If you are unsure whether your payments are made under section 23 of the Children Act you should contact your Local Authority welfare advisor, who will be able to advise you or telephone the Tax Credits Helpline.
You can claim Child Tax Credit for an adopted child if you are receiving adoption allowances under the 1976 Adoption Act/or most payments made under the Children Act. These payments may be disregarded when we calculate your income |
| Q. My children live with me part of the time and my ex-partner the rest of the time, can I include them on my claim? |
| A. You must decide who has the main responsibility for that child / young person. If you decide that you have the main responsibility you may claim for Child Tax Credit. However, if your partner also claims Child Tax Credit, you may have to provide evidence that you have the main responsibility. Child Tax Credit cannot be paid to each of you for the same child(ren). |
| Q. My child has finished full time education but has registered with the Careers Service or Connexions Service, can I still claim Child Tax Credit? |
| A. If your child has finished in full time education but has registered with the Careers Service or Connexions Service you are still entitled to Child Tax Credit for a further 20 weeks. When you inform HMRC that your child has left full time education you must inform them that they have registered with the Careers Service or Connexions Service and give us the date they registered. If your child reaches their 18th birthday before the end of the 20 weeks, Child Tax Credit will stop on this day. |
| Q. I am a lone parent under the age of 16, will I be eligible for tax credits? |
| A. No. If you are living at home with your parents they may be able to claim for tax credits for you and your child. |
| Q. What happens if a child dies before a Child Tax Credit claim is made? |
| A. If a child is born but dies before you have claimed Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit you can still make a claim, even if the baby only lives for a short time. Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit may be payable from the baby's date of birth and for 8 weeks after the date of death. Claims may be backdated for up to three months only. |
| How do tax credits affect Housing Benefit / Council Tax Benefit? |
| If you are on standard - i.e. means-tested - Housing Benefit (HB) or Council Tax Benefit (CTB), any tax credits you receive will be taken into account as income. The amount of HB / CTB you receive will be reduced to reflect this additional income, though overall you will still be better off. You must tell the office dealing with your HB / CTB claim if you claim for and receive tax credits.
If you are on Income Support, Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance or the Pension Credit, you do not need to do anything now. The Department for Work and Pension / Department for Social Development will be contacting you direct. |
| If I claim for tax credits will it affect my level of benefits? |
| If you are already receiving Income Support or Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance or the Pension Credit, which includes an element for children, you do not need to claim CTC now. The Department for Work and Pensions will be contacting you direct. If you do claim for tax credits, any payments you receive will be taken into account against your IS / JSA (IB) / PC and your benefit will be reduced. If your benefits are reduced to nil, you are automatically entitled to free school meals, Housing Benefit and some health benefits. You must tell DWP / DSD if you are receiving tax credits.
If you are not on IS / JSA (IB) / PC, but receive other benefits, such as Incapacity Benefit, Bereavement Benefits, retirement Pension, or Invalid Care Allowance, they will not be affected by a claim for tax credits. However, the level of tax credits you receive could be affected by your receipt of these benefits. Your Child Benefit will not be affected. |
| What do I do if I'm on Income Support or Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance or the Pension Credit ? |
| The Department for Work and Pensions / Department for Social Development (DWP / DSD) will be contacting you direct to tell you what will be happening to these benefits and when. If they have already done so, they should have sent you a tax credit insert, which you need to read carefully. This will help you to understand how the tax credits will affect you and whether you will be better off. If, after reading this leaflet you are still not sure of your position, you need to contact your local DWP office for more information. |
| What happens once my claim is processed? |
| Your benefit office will process your claim as long as all the information required has been provided on the form.
Once the claim has been processed your benefit office will either send you an award notice/ or a rejection notice which tells you |
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whether you are eligible for tax credits |
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exactly what tax credit you are entitled to |
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how much tax credit you will receive |
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the information we have used to work out your award |
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when to contact us if your income or circumstances change |
| Can I withdraw my tax credits claim? |
| It is not possible to withdraw a claim once we have made a decision about your entitlement.
If you made a mistake on the claim form or did not include relevant information, you can tell your benefit office the correct information or anything that has been missed and they will amend your claim. If your circumstances have changed since you made your claim, you should tell them what the changes are and your benefit office will amend your claim with the new details. |
| Why might I be rejected for tax credits? |
| The following are reasons why you may be rejected when claiming for Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit: |
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you / your partner are not working; |
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excess income; |
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not resident in the United Kingdom / Great Britain; |
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no qualifying benefit; or |
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no children in the household if you and / or your partner are aged less than 25 years. |
| Can my payments start from before the date you receive my claim? |
| The date your payments will start depends on the date we receive your claim. Your payments will usually start from the date we receive your form, however, in certain circumstances payments may run from an earlier date (up to a maximum of 3 months) where you (and your partner if you have one) satisfied the requirements for entitlement at that earlier date.
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| Child Benefit |
| Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment to anyone bringing up a child or young person. It is not affected by income or savings so most people who are bringing up a child or young person qualify for it.
Child Benefit is paid in addition to Child Tax Credit.
To claim Child Benefit you must be responsible for bringing up a child.
To apply for a benefit you'll normally have to fill in an application form and provide supporting information.
You need to claim Child Benefit as soon as your child is born or comes to live with you; otherwise, you may lose benefit.
Your parents may also be entitled to Child Tax Credit if you are under 16, or under 18 and in full-time education.
You'll be able to get Child Benefit if you're bringing up a child or young person who is: |
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aged under 16 |
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a young person under 19 (under 20 in some cases) who is either studying in full-time non-advanced education (A level or equivalent) or on a government funded training programme |
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16 or 17 years old and has recently left school and registered for work or training with the Careers or Connexions Service or similar |
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| What is it? |
| Child Benefit offers extra financial help for parents. It isn't taxed and your salary does not affect it. You should still be entitled if you are on other benefits, check with your local authority. |
| How much will I get? |
| From April 6 2008-9 the amount you get will be the following: |
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£18.80 a week for the eldest or only child; |
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£12.55 for each of the other children. |
| (These rates are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future). |
| Who is eligible? |
| Parents of children who are: |
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under 16;
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under 19 and in full-time education;
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16 or 17, available for work or Youth Training, doing less than 24 hours paid work and not receiving Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance or on a Youth Training scheme |
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| How will I be paid? |
| Payment is normally made every four weeks into a bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings account, or you may be sent a cheque to cash in at the Post Office. In some situations you can get it paid weekly, for example if you're a single parent, or you or your partner/civil partner are getting income support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance. |
| Child Benefit for 16 to 18 year-olds |
| If you're a sixth form student the government offers a means-tested Education Maintenance Allowance. This is additional to, and does not interfere with, child benefits payments. Both continue to be paid until you leave college.
Additional qualifying conditions apply once a child reaches 16 years of age.
Your parents will have been getting Child Benefit for you throughout your childhood. This normally stops once you finish full-time compulsory education after age 16.
If, however, you continue in full-time, non-advanced education, either at school or a college, your parents can continue to claim Child Benefit until you reach your 19th birthday. Child Benefit is not payable if the course is advanced, for example a degree course or above GNVQ level 3.
If you are aged 16 or 17, and have left school or college but are still waiting to be placed in work or training, your parents may be able to apply for Child Benefit to be extended for a short while. But you must have registered for work or training with the Careers or Connexions Service. |
| Guardian's Allowance |
| If you're entitled to Child Benefit for a child or young person that is not your own, you may also be entitled to Guardians Allowance for them if both of their parents have died or in some circumstances where only one parent has died.
If you're bringing up a child or children for whom you're getting Child Benefit, you may be able to claim Guardian's Allowance if both the child's parents have died or one parent has died and one of the following applies: |
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You don't know where the surviving parent is |
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Their parents were divorced (certain conditions apply) |
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The surviving parent is in prison with a minimum two years left to serve, or is detained in a hospital by order of the court (certain regulations apply)
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| OTHER GENERAL BENEFITS |
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| Council Tax Benefit |
| Council Tax benefit helps paying some or all of your council tax for those on a low-income. It doesn't matter if you get other benefits or if you already get a discount for living alone.
To qualify you need to be on a fairly low income and have less than £16,000 in savings. Your local authority will make the decision based on your personal circumstances. |
| Students |
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If you are a full-time student you will not usually have to pay Council Tax. |
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If your partner is a student you may be able to get Council Tax Benefit, you can get a 25% discount on council tax for your flat/house, however this may vary from one region to another. |
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Students should get a Council Tax exemption certificate upon enrolment at their university. They must also phone their council informing them that they are exempt from paying. |
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| You can claim up to 13 weeks before you become entitled to Council Tax benefit although you will not usually receive any money before you move in. |
| Housing Benefit |
| If you pay rent - that is, if you are living away from your parents, other than as a student - you may be able to claim Housing Benefit.
You may also be able to claim council Tax Benefit, to help you with your Council Tax payments.
The lower your income, the more benefit you will receive.
Struggling to pay the rent, worried your landlord may chuck you out? You need to get Housing Benefit.
You can now ring Jobcentre Plus on a new number to make a benefit claim.
Phone: 0800 0 55 66 88. During the call you will be asked to provide information including: |
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Your National Insurance number; |
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Details of your rent or mortgage; |
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Details of your past or present employment; and |
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Details of other income and savings. |
| Please make sure that you have this information handy when you call.
If you think you may be entitled to Housing Benefit, put your claim in as soon as possible. If you delay, you may lose money.
You are entitled to ask for what is called a "pre-tenancy determination", which will give you an idea of what Housing Benefit you will get if you rent a property.
Even if you are getting other benefits, you may have to pay towards your rent. Your local Housing Benefit office will give you an application form for a "determination". |
| You can claim if you are working, training or unemployed, but you can't claim if you have more than £16,000 in savings.
Housing benefit and Council Tax Benefit are both paid by your local council. If you think you may be entitled to Housing Benefit, you can get an application form from the Benefits Section at your local council.
If you live in a bed and breakfast or a hostel, it is likely that the personal services you receive - meals, fuel, laundry, cleaning etc - will not be
covered by Housing Benefit. The part of the rent that covers these will have to come out of your wages or your other benefits. |
| Housing Benefit - Some Important Questions Answered |
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| What is it? |
| Housing Benefit is for people with a low income who have to pay rent. It is paid by your local authority regardless of whether you are available for, or in full time work. |
| How much will it cover? |
| Housing Benefit may not cover the full amount of rent you are paying. If you are living in accommodation as a single person the maximum Housing Benefit you can get is the 'Average Local Reference Rent' for a bedsit. This will mean the maximum you can get is enough to cover the average priced bedsit in your area. If the place you stay in costs more you will have to make up the difference yourself. It will not cover your utility bills (fuel, water etc.) |
| When do they pay out? |
| Housing Benefit is paid in arrears, which can make things difficult if you are required to pay your rent in advance. If you are having problems talk to your local office. The benefit is usually paid directly to you but sometimes it is paid straight to your landlord. |
| I'm a student, can I get it? |
| Most full time students cannot claim at any time during the course including the summer holiday but there are exceptions, ask your council for more information. |
| How do I claim? |
| Forms are generally available from your local authority housing section. |
| How long do I have to wait? |
| Local authorities are required to deal with your claim and pay your Housing Benefit in 14 days. Often the local authority will take longer. If you are renting privately and they take longer it is your right to have a reasonable amount of money paid until they make the decision. The only reasons the local authority can refuse this is if you didn't give them sufficient information or it is very clear that you will not be entitled to the Housing Benefit. |
| 2.Benefits for people of working age |
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| Jobseeker's allowance (JSA) |
| If you're of working age but unemployed and actively seeking work, you may be able to get Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).
There are two types of JSA, contribution-based and income-based. Which one you get depends on whether or not you've paid enough National Insurance contributions in the past. |
| Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is paid if you are: |
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Capable of working; |
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Available for work; |
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Actively seeking work; |
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18 or over; |
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Not working 16 hours a week or more. |
| Often known as 'the dole', this is the money you have to scrape by on if you don't have a job. But who can get it and how much do they pay out? |
| You may be able to claim the Job Seekers Allowance if you are any of the following: |
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A "vulnerable" young person who has just come out of care or prison, or if you have children of your own; |
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Waiting for a suitable training place; |
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Registered with the Careers or Connexions Service for training and employment; |
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Temporarily laid off work. |
| How to go about claiming? |
| Contact your local Job Centre. You will be given a JSA claim pack and an appointment to discuss your job seekers' agreement. This will indicate what steps you will take to find work. Your claim should be processed within 10 working days. You must 'sign on' at the job centre once a fortnight. You will have a short interview to check your situation, job seeking progress and any change of circumstances. You receive payment within a few days of signing on. |
| How much? |
| The amount varies by age and situation. For the financial year 2008-9, if you're single and between 16 and 17, you will get £47.95 a week (up from £35.65 in 2007-8). If you're single and between 18 and 24, you will get £47.95 a week (up from £46.85 a week in 2007-8). If you have children you will be eligible for more - for example if you're 18 or over you will get £60.50 (up from £59.15 a week in 2007-8). |
| (These rates are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future). |
| There are two types of Jobseeker's Allowance : |
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| 1. Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance |
| Income based JSA is 'means tested', this involves the Benefit Agency calculating how much you (and your family), need to live on according to their regulations. You can claim Income-based JSA if: |
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you have an insufficient contributions record; |
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your contributory JSA has run out after six months; |
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you are claiming for a partner. |
| When you claim income based JSA you claim separate allowances for yourself, any adult dependant and your children. You can also claim any premiums for which you or your dependants may qualify, such as Family Premium or Lone Parent Premium. If you have a mortgage on your home, you may also claim for mortgage interest payments. |
| 2. Contributions-based JSA |
| This is based on your national insurance contribution record and is paid for a maximum period of 6 months. |
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If you are 18-24 years old you will find that the level of your benefit has been set at a reduced rate. |
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You can only claim contributory JSA for yourself. |
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Your right to claim contributory JSA is not affected by your partner's earnings or by the amount of savings you have. |
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You cannot get contribution-based JSA if you have only been paying NI contributions for self-employment. You may be able to get income-based JSA. |
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| It is possible to get both at the same time. If you claim Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance you may be able to top up your income with Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance to a level that is worked out depending on your individual circumstances. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will be available for both. |
| Job Grant |
| If you get a full-time job after more than a year on benefits you can get a £100 Job Grant to help you with the costs of starting work. The work must be expected to last for at least five weeks. But the grant does not apply to lone parents who continue to get Income Support for two weeks after they start work instead. |
| Savings |
| To qualify for income-based JSA, you usually need to have less than £16,000 in savings. You'll also be given less if you have savings over £6,000. |
| Under 18s |
| If you are aged 16 or 17 you are unlikely to have worked for long enough since reaching age 16 to pay enough NI contributions to get contribution-based JSA. You may be able to get income-based JSA for a short period in special circumstances. For example, if one of the following applies: |
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You are forced to live away from your parents and will suffer severe hardship if you do not get JSA; |
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You are a member of a couple who are responsible for a child. |
| Couples who live together |
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If you or your partner are not bringing up children, you may have to make a joint claim to get income-based JSA; |
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If you have a partner who works an average of 24 hours a week or more you cannot usually get income-based JSA. However their work does not affect contribution-based JSA; |
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You may be able to get extra money if you are buying your home and you may also get help with some other housing costs. |
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| Hardship Provision |
| You may be able to get a reduced amount of JSA under the hardship provision. You can do this if your JSA cannot be paid under the normal rules for any of the following reasons: |
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You are not available for work; |
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You are not actively seeking work; |
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You do not have a Jobseeker's Agreement; |
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You leave your job voluntarily without good reason; you lose a job because of misconduct; or you turn down a job offer; |
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There is a doubt about whether any of these apply to you; |
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You must be able to show that you or someone in your household would suffer hardship if you do not receive any JSA. |
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| If you are in a vulnerable group and you qualify for a hardship payment, you will be paid the next time you would usually get your JSA. You are in a vulnerable group if you or your partner: |
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Are pregnant; |
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Are looking after children; |
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Are single and looking after a 16 or 17 year old; |
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Have a disability; |
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Have a long-term physical medical condition; |
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Are caring for someone who is long-term sick or disabled; |
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Are a young person who has left local authority care in the last 3 years; |
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Are aged 16 or 17, in some circumstances. |
| If you are not in a vulnerable group you will have to wait at least two weeks until you become entitled to a hardship payment, and you will get the payment the next time you would usually get your JSA. This means it could be up to four weeks before you get a payment. |
| Studying |
| You can't usually get JSA if you are studying full time, however there are some exceptions: |
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If both you and your partner are full-time students and one of you is responsible for a child, you may be able to get JSA during the summer holidays; |
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If you are studying part-time, but are still available for and actively seeking work, you may be able to get JSA. This will also depend on the number of hours you study and your other circumstances; |
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If you are aged 25 or over and have been unemployed for two years or more, you may be able to do a full-time employment-related course for up to a year and still get JSA; |
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You may be able to do an Open University course and still get JSA. |
| Claiming while working |
| It's against the law to draw unemployment benefits while working. |
| Income Support |
| Income support is for anyone who works less than 16 hours a week (due to ill health, for example).Much like Working Tax Credit, Income Support is designed to supplement your income rather than replace it. In some cases, for example if you're only able to work an hour or so per week, you may be able to claim Income Support as well as Statutory Sick Pay or Incapacity Benefit. |
| You may be able to claim Income Support. For example, if you are: |
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A single parent |
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A carer (looking after someone else) |
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expecting a baby within 11 weeks |
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disabled or seriously ill |
| Contact your local Jobcentre office if you think you may qualify.
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| The New Deal for young people |
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| What is New Deal? |
| New Deal is a Government programme that aims to give unemployed people the help and support they need to get into work.Everyone on New Deal gets a personal adviser who is their point of contact throughout the programme. The personal adviser takes the time to understand you - your experiences, interests and goals - so a plan can be prepared to get you into a suitable job.You can find out more about the different New Deal programmes on this website. |
| The New Deal for young people is a compulsory programme for 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed and claiming Job Seekers Allowance for six months or more. It provides advice and guidance, work experience, education, training, and entry into paid work. It is meant to help you get into a lasting job or learn the skills which employer want. |
| The first step is to meet your personal adviser who will draw up an action plan with you and help you to: |
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find a job that should last more than 3 months; |
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improve your job-finding prospects through confidence-building courses, careers guidance or specialist advice; |
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decide on one of the four New Deal Options. These cover an offer of a job, a return to full-time education or training, or a work placement which contributes to the improvement of the environment or the local community. |
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| Your benefits can be withdrawn if you refuse to take part in the programme.If you have any questions about New Deal, call: 0845 606 2626 7am to 11pm, seven days a week. |
| Bridging Allowance |
| If you are waiting for a Youth Training (YT) place, you may be able to claim a Bridging Allowance. To get this, you need to be registered with the Employment Office or Jobcentre as available for YT.
It is paid for eight weeks, and you claim it on form BA1, which you can get from the Careers Office or Jobcentre. But note that you cannot get the Bridging Allowance if your parents are claiming Child Benefit for you.
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| Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) |
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| What is it? |
| Education Maintenance Allowance is a means-tested benefit for students who stay on at school or college after their GCSEs. Unlike Child Benefit, which is paid to parents, it's paid direct into the students own bank account, to be spent how they like. They could also get a bonus of £100 in January in July, and again in October if they go back for a second year. The scheme is aimed at getting students from lower-income families to stay on in education. |
| Who is eligible? |
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Those with a household income under £30,810 per year. |
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Those aged 16 between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2006. |
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UK nationals, those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or those with refugee status. |
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Some students from EU countries who are studying here. |
| (The above figure is just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future).
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| How do I claim? |
| Ask at your school or college about EMA. You will need to open a bank account as the details will be required with your application form. Obtain an application form from your teacher, Tel: 08081 016 219 or online from the Department for Education and Skills. |
| Higher Education Student Support Guarantee (HESSG) |
| The HESSG will be introduced from September 2008 for 16 year-olds who qualify for an Education Maintenance Allowance. It means that you can find out what financial support will be available to you if you decide to progress into full-time higher education. |
| Ill or INJURED |
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| Statutory Sick Pay |
| If you're unable to work because you're ill, you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer for up to 28 weeks.
If you're working for an employer under a contract of service (even if you've only just started), you're entitled to SSP if all the following apply: |
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you're aged between 16 and 65 |
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you're sick for at least four days in a row (weekends and bank holidays are included) |
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you're earning at least £82 a week on average |
| If you cannot do your job because you're permanently or temporarily sick or disabled, you may qualify for Statutory Sick Pay.
£75.40 usually paid for first 28 weeks of sickness (2008-20(These figures are for indicative purposes only and are subject to change).
(These figures are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future).
You will not receive Statutory Sick Pay for the first three days that you are off work. |
| Incapacity Benefit |
| You may be able to get Incapacity Benefit (IB), if you can't work because you're ill or disabled and under State Pension age 60 for women and 65
for men. |
| Who is entitled? |
| If you do not qualify for Statutory Sick Pay because you're permanently or temporarily sick or disabled. For example, you may be out of work and become ill. |
| To qualify for incapacity Benefit (IB) any of the following must apply: |
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Your Statutory Sick Pay has ended or you can't get it |
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You were under State Pension age when you became sick
or you must: |
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be aged between 16 and 20 (or under 25 if you were in education or training at least three months immediately before turning 20) |
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have been too ill to work because of sickness or disability for at least 28 weeks |
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have been too ill to work before you turned 20 (or under 25 if you were in education or training at least three months immediately before turning 20) |
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| Incapacity benefit can be paid at three different rates: |
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Short-term lower rate: £61.35 (paid if you do not qualify for Statutory Sick Pay, and have been unfit for work for four days in a row; |
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Short-term higher rate: £72.55 (paid if you have been unfit for work for more than 28 weeks (but less than a year); |
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Long-term basic rate: £81.35 (paid if you have been unfit for work for over a year). |
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| (These figures are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The figures may change in the future).
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| Severe Disablement Allowance |
| You may have been able to claim Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) if before April 2001 you were unable to work for at least 28 weeks in a row because of illness or disability |
| Who is eligible? |
| You can't make a new claim for Severe Disablement Allowance.
But if you're already getting the allowance - you'll continue to receive it.
You may be entitled to SDA if before April 2001 you were assessed as being 80 per cent disabled and you were: |
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incapable of work because of illness or disability for at least 28 weeks in a row |
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between 16 and 64 years old (special conditions apply for people aged 65 and over) |
| How much do you get? |
| £51.05 if you've been getting Severe Disablement Allowance before April 2001.You may be getting an age-related additional weekly amount depending on your age when you became unable to work. For example if before April 2001 you were: |
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under 40 years old, you'll be eligible for an extra £17.75 (higher rate) |
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40-49, you'll be eligible for an extra £11.40 (middle rate) |
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50-59, you'll be eligible for an extra £5.70 (lower rate) |
| (These figures are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The figures may change in the future).
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| How it's paid |
| Severe Disablement Allowance is paid into your bank, building society, Post Office ® or National Savings account that accepts Direct Payment.
If you're registered blind or need someone who cares for you to collect your money, a cheque can be sent to cash at the Post Office ®. |
| Effect on other benefits or tax credits |
| There are some types of 'exempt work' (permitted work) you can do while still getting Severe Disablement Allowance; ask your Jobcentre Plus or social security office for more details.
But if you're getting Severe Disablement Allowance and a wage, this could affect income-related benefits you may be receiving like Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. |
| How to claim |
| You can't claim Severe Disablement Allowance if you're not getting it already.But you may be able to claim if your claim links back before April 2001 - when you were entitled to Severe Disablement Allowance. |
| What to do if your circumstances change |
| It's important you contact your Jobcentre Plus or social security office if your circumstances change. For example if: |
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you start work |
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you enter or leave a hospital or care home |
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your partner or civil partner goes into hospital (if you get extra money for them) |
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you go abroad |
| If you go abroad temporarily or permanently you may be entitled to some form of Severe Disablement Allowance overseas. For more information, you can contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or social security office. |
| Work Accidents,Diseases and Deafness |
| You may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for accidents at or in connection with work if any of the following apply: |
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you were employed when the accident or event happened |
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the work accident or event that caused your illness or disability happened in England, Scotland or Wales (there's some exceptions you can ask your local Jobcentre Plus) |
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| Or you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for diseases and deafness caused by certain types of work.
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| Statutory Maternity Pay |
| To help you to take time off work when you have a baby, you may be able to get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) if the following apply: |
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you've worked for a UK employer for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the week your baby is due |
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you're earning an average of at least £84 a week (before tax) |
| (These figures are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The figures may change in the future). |
| Maternity Allowance |
| If you're unable to get Statutory Maternity Pay, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance (MA) to help you take time of work when you're pregnant or have a new baby.
To qualify for MA, you must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before your baby is due.
|
| 3.Benefits for people who have retired or who are planning to retire
|
| Everyone is entitled to a basic State Pension, and many people of pensionable age are entitled to other benefits. These are now administered by The Pension Service.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) manages most benefits through Jobcentre Plus offices. Benefits and entitlements for pensioners are dealt with through a network of pension centres which provide a face-to-face service for those who need additional help and support. |
| The Pension Service, which is part of the DWP, provides services to: |
|
Anyone planning for their retirement |
|
People approaching retirement |
|
People who've already retired |
|
Employers |
|
Pensions providers and advisers |
| The Pension Service looks after benefits and entitlements such as the State Pension, Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments.Your local Jobcentre Plus office is your first point of contact for finding out more about these benefits and services.If you're a pensioner or planning for retirement, contact The Pension Service for information on pensions and related benefits. |
| State Pension |
| You may be entitled to State Pension if: |
|
you've reached State Pension age; currently 60 for women (but due to change to 65 between 2010 and 2020) and 65 for men |
|
| |
|
you (or your husband, wife or civil partner) have enough qualifying years based on your National Insurance contributions (NICs) |
|
| |
| To find out about your rights in another EEA country, you'll need to contact the authorities who run the pension scheme in that country. |
| Winter Fuel Payments |
| You might be able to get Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) to help pay for keeping warm in winter. The benefit is normally paid by Christmas. |
| You may get a Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) if the following apply: |
|
you're aged 60 or over during 18 to 24 September 2006 |
|
you normally live in the United Kingdom |
| War Widow's or Widower's Pension |
| If your husband, wife or civil partner died as a result of their service in Her Majesty's (HM) Armed Forces or during a time of war, you may be entitled to a War Widow's or Widower's Pension. |
| Bereavement Benefits |
| If your partner or civil partner died because of an accident, industrial disease or at a time of war you may be able to get bereavement benefits.
|
| Bereavement Payment |
| You may qualify for Bereavement Payment if your husband, wife or civil partner had paid their National Insurance contributions or their death was caused by their job and either: |
|
you were under State Pension age when they died
or |
|
your husband, wife or civil partner was not entitled to Category A state Retirement Benefit when they died |
|
| |
| 4.Benefits for disabled people and carers |
| There is a range of local and central government support available for people who are sick, or who are disabled, and for the people who care for them. The support tends to vary according to the nature of illness or disability: for example, whether it is long-term, whether you were in work when you became ill or disabled, and whether the illness involves a stay in hospital or a care home. |
| The Disability and Carers Service, which is part of the DWP, is responsible for benefits and services for people who are sick or have a disability, for example, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. |
| If you have any queries about Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, call the Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Helpline, 08457 123 456
If you're sick or disabled, and it's affecting your ability to work, you may be entitled to financial assistance. |
| A huge range of different health-related tax credits and benefits are available. To qualify, much depends on your situation and individual needs. However, it can be boiled down to three basic scenarios: |
|
If you have difficulty moving around, or need special care for day-to-day living; |
|
If you're unable to work at all; |
|
If you've been injured at work, or have an illness related to your work. |
| If you think you may be entitled to a health benefit, The Department of work and pensions run a telephone helpline providing information on benefits for the sick and disabled. The Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 (0800 220674 in Northern Ireland).
Here's our at-a-glance guide to the main benefits: |
| Disability Living Allowance
|
|
| Who qualifies? |
| Anyone under 65 who needs financial help to pay for personal care and the cost of getting around qualifies for disability living allowance. |
| What's involved? |
| Disability Living Allowance is paid at three different rates, depending on your circumstances. The rates are £17.75, £44.85, and £67 (2008-9). It doesn't count as income, which means you are still entitled to other income-related benefits.
(These figures are just a guide, Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The figures may change in the future).
|
| Disablement Benefit |
|
| Who qualifies? |
| This is the main benefit to claim if you've suffered an industrial injury. There are many payment rates, depending on your circumstances, up to a maximum of £131.70 (18 or over) or £80.70.
(These rates are just a guide, however, as individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive. The above figures may change in the future).
There are other industrial allowances that you may qualify for at the same time, such as Reduced Earnings Allowance, Retirement Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance.
If you're a disabled person or carer you can't usually get disability benefits like Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance when living abroad (in other EEA countries) permanently. But you may be able to get disability benefits while on holiday. |
| Claiming benefits in Europe |
| Your rights to claim benefits, tax credits or other financial support are protected by social security arrangements between the UK and other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA). This means you may be able to get UK benefits while living abroad in certain countries. |
| Who can claim benefits in the EEA? |
| You may be able to get benefits and other financial support if any of the following apply: |
|
you've lived, worked or studied (a recognised career qualification) in an EEA country |
|
| |
|
you're a stateless person or refugee and you live in an EEA country |
|
you're a dependant or the widow or widower of anyone who was covered by the regulations (your nationality doesn't matter) |
|
| |
|
you're the widow, widower or child of someone who worked in an EEA country and was not an EEA national or a stateless person or refugee (but you must be a national of that country) |
|
| |
|
you're not an EEA or Swiss national but legally resident in the UK |
|
you've lived in the EEA country long enough to qualify
|
| Changes that affect your benefit |
| Sometimes a change in your circumstances may mean that your benefit rate will change, or that you become entitled to an additional or a different benefit. For example, if you're a lone parent getting Housing Benefit and you decide to look for work, you may be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance as well.
Other changes in your circumstances, for example getting a pay rise, may mean you no longer qualify for a benefit or will get a reduced amount.
If you get benefits and your circumstances change, tell your local Jobcentre Plus office or benefits office as soon as possible. If you tell us of any changes quickly, you'll get any increase or new benefit faster. For some changes your payments may be reduced.
You must report any change in your circumstances to your local Jobcentre Plus office as soon as it happens, whether or not you think the change is directly related to your benefits. |
| Some examples of the changes you need to report include: |
|
Getting married or moving in with a partner or civil partner |
|
Moving house |
|
Getting a new job |
|
Getting a pay rise |
|
Taking in a lodger |
|
No longer being sick or ill |
|
Moving abroad |
| BENEFIT RELATED ASPECTS |
|
| BENEFIT PAYMENT METHOD |
| If you receive benefits or a State Pension, the government normally uses Direct Payment to transfer the money straight into your: |
|
Bank or building society account |
|
Post Office Card Account |
|
National Savings Easy Access Savings Account |
| However, some payments are treated differently. For example, Housing Benefit can be paid directly to your landlord.
If you live in a council property you may receive Housing Benefit as a reduction in rent, and Council Tax Benefit as a reduction in your Council Tax bill.
There are some accounts that you cannot use for Direct Payment. These are children's accounts, some mortgage, business and building society accounts that use a passbook and National Savings accounts other than the Easy Access Savings Account.
If you're ill or you find it difficult to get out to collect your benefits, you can arrange for someone else to do it for you.
|
| Appealing against a benefits decision |
| If you think a decision about your benefits is wrong, you can ask the office that made the decision to explain it. You can also ask to get the decision reconsidered and, if you're still unhappy, you can appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal.
When the benefits office sends you a letter about their decision, if you do not agree, you can ask them to explain or reconsider it.
You can ask for an explanation or reconsideration of every decision, but some benefit decisions cannot be appealed.
For example, you can't appeal against decisions on Budgeting Loans, Community Care Grants or Crisis Loans. The decision letter will make it clear if it can't be appealed. |
| Deadlines for appealing |
| You have one month: |
|
After getting a decision to ask for it to be explained, reconsidered or to appeal |
|
After getting a reconsidered decision to start an appeal |
| A late appeal may be accepted if you have special circumstances that prevented you appealing in time, but not if more than 13 months have passed.
|
| How to appeal |
| Information on how to appeal is normally included in the decision letter.In most cases, it involves filling in the appeal form in the leaflet: 'If you think our decision is wrong' and posting it to the benefits office dealing with your claim.You can pick up the leaflet at your local benefits office or download it, below, from the Department for Work and Pensions website.
But if you are appealing in these cases follow the procedures below: |
| Child Maintenance |
| If you don't agree with a decision made by the Child Support Agency (CSA), you can contact the CSA centre that made the decision. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can write to the CSA Central Appeals Unit.
|
| Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit |
| These benefits are handled by your local council, so you'd normally contact your local council office to query the decision and follow their appeals procedure. |
| Child Benefit and Guardians Allowance |
| These benefits are also handled by HMRC, appeal forms are available online or by phoning the helpline.If you live in England, Scotland and Wales you can call the HMRC helpline 0845 302 1444.
If you live in Northern Ireland call 0845 603 2000. Lines are open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday. |
| The Social Security and Child Support Appeals Tribunal |
| The Social Security and Child Support Appeals Tribunal can explain the procedure and help you through the appeal process. There is plenty of information on the Social Security and Child Support Appeals Tribunal website, including information in easy read format.
|
| Who hears the appeal? |
| Appeals are heard by a tribunal;a panel of up to three members, one of whom is legally qualified. |
| There are two kinds of tribunal hearing:
|
|
Oral hearing - where you or your representative can attend to discuss your appeal |
|
| |
|
paper hearing - where you or your representative do not appear and the case is decided on the written evidence. |
|
| |
| Advice and help with your appeal |
| Some organisations offer help and advice (some for free) with your appeal, including: |
|
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) |
|
Local welfare rights groups |
|
Trade unions |
|
Law centres |
|
Solicitors |
|
Age Concern |
| The CAB will help you fill in forms and may accompany you to the hearing. Or you could ask an adviser, friend or family member to appeal on your behalf. |
| Financial help |
| You may be able to claim some expenses for travelling to a tribunal, but you can't claim for legal expenses and solicitors' fees - even if you win. |
| When you lose the appeal |
| If you don't agree with the tribunal's decision, you can only challenge it if: |
|
you didn't get a document that was used at the hearing |
|
you weren't present at the hearing although you wanted to be |
| But if you think the tribunal made a mistake in how they applied the law, you can ask for permission to appeal to a Social Security or Child Support Commissioner.
|
| Benefit Fraud |
| If you deliberately fail to report a change in your personal circumstances you are treated as having committed benefit fraud. If you're prosecuted for benefit fraud you could be fined or get a prison sentence. |
| Living in European Economic Area and Benefit
Entitlement
|
| For certain benefits, You may also qualify if you do not live in the UK but you are: |
|
a citizen of another country in the European Economic Area (EEA)
(see aside) or of Switzerland, and you work in the UK, or |
|
| |
|
a Crown Servant posted overseas or their accompanying partner, or |
|
a citizen of
a country in the EEA (see table below) including the UK, or |
| Switzerland
living in the EEA or Switzerland, and you receive a UK State Pension or
contributions - based Jobseeker's Allowance.
|
| These are countries that have benefits arrangements or reciprocal agreements with the UK.
(The UK is England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.)
This means you may be able to get benefits in the following countries:
|
| European Economic Area (EEA) |
| Austria |
| Belgium |
| Bulgaria |
| Cyprus |
| Czech Republic |
| Denmark |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| France |
| Germany |
| Greece |
| Hungary |
| Iceland |
| Ireland |
| Italy |
| Latvia |
| Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania |
| Luxembourg |
| Malta |
| Netherlands |
| Norway |
| Poland |
| Portugal |
| Romania |
| Slovakia |
| Slovenia |
| Spain |
| Sweden |
| United Kingdom |
| Other countries |
| Countries that follow social security arrangements with the UK but have special conditions are: |
|
Switzerland |
|
Gibraltar |
| CHILD TRUST FUND |
| The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term savings and investment account created especially for children. The money in it belongs to your child and is locked away until they are 18, so it has a long time to grow. At 18 they can choose to carry on saving or use the money for other things, such as driving
lessons, computer equipment or training courses.
Every child born on or after 1st September 2002 is eligible for a CTF account
if they live in the UK, Child Benefit is being received for them and they are not subject to immigration restrictions. |
| The CTF is part of the Government's strategy for saving and asset ownership.
CTF accounts have been available since 6 April 2005 for eligible children born on or after 1 September 2002.
The Chancellor announced in his Budget on 22 March 2006 that all children eligible for the Child Trust Fund will receive a further Child Trust Fund payment at age 7 of £250 with children from lower-income families receiving £500. Eligibility will be similar to that for the initial payments and will be based on the child being born on or after 1 September 2002, living in the UK and being the subject of a Child Benefit award on the child's seventh birthday. Children in families who qualify for full Child Tax Credit with an income below the threshold on the child's seventh birthday will qualify for the higher payment at age seven. |
| How much will my child receive? |
| You will automatically receive a £250 CTF voucher when you claim
and start receiving Child Benefit for your child. Children from lower
income households (£14,155 or less in 2006-7) will receive an extra
£250, paid directly into their account.
There will be a further automatic payment of £250 when your child
turns seven and children in lower income households will again get
an extra £250.
If you haven't received a voucher or have lost it,call the CTF Helpline on
0845 302 1470.
(These figures are just a guid., The figures may change in the future).
|
| What to with the voucher? |
| The voucher can only be used to open a CTF account. There are three types of account, which one you choose depends on how you feel about taking a risk in order to give the money a better chance to grow.The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term savings and investment account created especially for children. The money in it belongs to your child and is locked away until they are 18, so it has a long time to grow. At 18 they can choose to carry on saving or use the money for other things, such as driving lessons, computer equipment or training courses.
Every child born on or after 1st September 2002 is eligible for a CTF account
if they live in the UK, Child Benefit is being received for them and they are
not subject to immigration restrictions. |
| Stakeholder Account |
| Your child's money is invested in companies' shares, so it grows if those shares do well. There are some measures in place to reduce the risks associated with investing in shares. |
| Shares Account (Non-stakeholder) |
| Your child's money is invested in companies' shares, so it grows if
those shares do well. Unlike a stakeholder account, there are no rules in place to reduce the risk of investing in shares.
|
| Savings Account (Non-stakeholder) |
| This type of account does not invest in shares. It is the cash option and pays interest.
If you don't open an account by the expiry date on the voucher, we will arrange for a CTF provider to open a stakeholder account for your child. But your child's money will have missed out on the chance of a whole
year's growth. Money in your child's CTF account will not affect any benefits or tax credits you receive, and neither you nor your child will pay tax on money earned in a CTF account. Remember, a savings account may not increase as much as an account with shares in it, but the value of shares may go down as well as up. |
| Who can open a Child Trust Fund account? |
| Although the CTF account will belong to your child, only a parent (if 16 or over), or someone else with parental
responsibility for the child (a legal term meaning someone with the rights and duties of a parent), can use the CTF voucher to open an account. The person who opens the account will manage it until the child's 16th birthday,
when the child will take control.
If you are a parent under 16, you cannot by law manage a CTF account but help and advice are available from the CTF Helpline on 0845 302 1470. |
| Where can I open an account? |
| From banks and building societies to friendly societies and supermarkets - there are lots of places where you can find a Child Trust Fund account provider. All providers offer a stakeholder and some also offer other types of account, including ethical and Shari'a ones. Be sure to ask providers about any fees charged for running the account.
The information pack you will receive contains a list of providers and you can always find the most up-to-date list at
www.childtrustfund.gov.uk. Alternatively, call the CTF Helpline on 0845 302 1470. |
| How do I open an account? |
| First, ask your chosen provider for an application form. Then simply fill in the form and take or post it with your child's voucher to your chosen CTF provider.You can also open an account by phone or online with some providers. |
| What should I do after I've opened my child's CTF account? |
|
You don't have to add to the account, but even small amounts
could grow into something worthwhile for your child when they reach18 |
|
| |
|
Let family and friends know you've opened the account as they may
want to put money in as well. The total amount that can be put in each year is £1,200 (excluding Government payments) |
|
| |
|
You can change the account or provider at any time if you want to |
|
Visit www.childtrustfund.gov.uk |
|
Call the CTF Helpline on 0845 302 1470, open 8am to 8pm,
|
| JOB CENTRE PLUS |
|
| What would you like to contact Jobcentre Plus about? |
|
I need to make a claim for benefit - call 0800 055 6688 (8am -6pm Monday to Friday). |
|
| |
|
If you need a National Insurance Number to claim benefits this will be done as part of the claim process when you or your partner claim benefit. |
|
| |
|
If you look for a job. Contact us by telephone on 0845 6060 234 or textphone 0845 6055 255. |
|
| |
|
To apply for a National Insurance Number to start work or make voluntary contributions - Telephone 0845 600 0643 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday) or textphone 0845 6000 644. |
|
| |
| USEFUL NUMBERS -UK BENEFITS RELATED |
| Disability Living Allowance |
0845 712 3456 |
| Carers Allowance |
01253 856 123 |
| Child/working Tax Credit |
0845 300 3900 |
National Insurance Number Application
Enquiries |
0845 600 0643
0845 915 7006 |
| Pension Enquiries |
0845 60 60 265 |
| Pension Credits |
0800 991 234 |
| Jobseekers Direct |
0845 606 0234
|
| New Claims(contact centre) |
0800 055 66 88 |
| Glasgow Benefit Centre |
0845 600 2773 |
| Income Support - (Option 1, Incapacity Benefit- Option 2,
Jobseekers Allowance - Option 3 |
|
| Crisis Loan Direct |
0800 032 7952 |
| Social Fund Loans/Grants |
0845 608 8661 |
| Benefit Enquiry |
0845 88 22 00 |
| Child Benefit |
0845 302 1444 |
|
| Source: The information is collected from various sources. The main source was the directgov website.
(www.direct.gov.uk with the necessary permission obtained. The information has been presented in a summarised
and concise format for ease of understanding) |
| Disclaimer |
|
| Please bear in mind that the information on this website is only a general guide to benefits to which you may be entitled in the UK. The information is of a general nature and no assurance of accuracy can be given. The rates and benefit amount
may change from year to year. In some cases, the Individual circumstances could affect how much you will receive.
It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. It is not a full and authoritative statement of the law concerning benefit entitlement as the eligibility for any benefits will depend on the personal circumstances. Therefore, No action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking proper advice. ( You can contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or social security office).
Authors disclaim responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a consequence of the material can be accepted by the authors. |
| |
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