Benefits
This is some very basic information about benefits. There are a lot of rules and conditions to most benefits. You should always get independent advice about what benefits you may be entitled to, and help filling in the form, either from a Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB), or from another advice service.
You may be entitled to several benefits at the same time.
If your application for a benefit is turned down, or you think you're not getting as much money as you should, you can appeal, or have the decision reviewed. Again, get advice on the best way to do this.
Tops up your household's income to a level that the law says is enough for you to live on, depending on the ages and number of people in your family, and any special needs, like disability. It is a 'passport' to other benefits. You can get Income Support if you are incapable of work, and in certain other circumstances.
If you can't work because you're ill and you're not entitled to any sick pay.
To help you pay your rent, if you have low income and capital (such as savings).
If you live on your own or just with children, your Council Tax bill should be reduced by 25%. You may be exempted from Council Tax altogether if your doctor certifies that you are “severely mentally impaired” and you get one of the qualifying benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance or Incapacity Benefit.
For help with day-to-day living because of your illness or disability.
Disability Living Allowance if you're over 65 when you start your claim.
If you sign on as available for work, capable of work and actively seeking work.
If you're the carer of someone who gets Disability Living Allowance.
If you are claiming benefits due to being incapable of work it is still possible to do Permitted Work. There are strict rules governing how much you can earn and how long you can work for. Permitted Work can affect benefits some benefits.
For women at 60 (but this is changing to 65), and men at 65.
For low or middle-income families who have children.
For people on low or middle income in paid work. There are various conditions concerning hours work, health, disability and children. Can include payment towards child care costs.
For people aged 60 or more. There are no restrictions on the hours you can work.
You can work as a volunteer without losing your Incapacity Benefit as long as you work on average 16 hours or less per week. If you are signing on, then working as a volunteer can help show that you are actively seeking work. But you still need to show the Job Centre that you are available for work.
You are entitled to free prescriptions, dental treatment and sight tests if you receive Income Support, Income-based Job-seeker's Allowance or, in some circumstances, Tax Credits. You may be able to get similar health benefits in certain other circumstances too.
Going into hospital usually means your benefits are reduced, sometimes quickly, sometimes over a longer period.
If you receive certain benefits, and go to hospital for treatment (either staying in hospital or as an out-patient) you can get the cost of the return trip to hospital paid for by the hospital.
To help you get back on your feet after you've been in, for example, hospital, residential care or prison. You could get a grant to buy things like furniture, bedding, clothes and carpets. You could also get a grant if you're at risk of going into hospital because you haven't got the things you need to cope at home.
To help you with one-off expenses, such as furniture or bedclothes, if you've been getting Income Support or Income-based Job-Seeker's Allowance for at least 26 weeks.
For expenses in an emergency, but not if you're in hospital or residential care, unless you're about to be discharged. You have to show that without it there is no way of preventing serious damage or risk to health or safety.