A Benefits Checklist

At some stage in your life you may qualify for a state benefit. Benefits don’t come to you as a matter of course, however: you have to apply for them. So to confirm whether you and your family are receiving your full benefit entitlement, use this checklist.

Children

(a) Child benefit.
If you have children you should receive child benefit. Current rates (from 5 January 2009) are £20.00 per week for your eldest or only child, and £13.20 a week for each of your other children.

(b) Child tax credit.
The majority of parents (around 90%) can receive child tax credit. The amount depends on factors such as how many children you have; whether or not you work; how many hours you work; if you have to pay for childcare; and if any of your children are disabled.

(c) Guardian’s allowance.
If you’re responsible for children whose parents have died, you should claim guardian’s allowance. The amount is tax free and paid in addition to child benefit.

(d) Child trust fund voucher.
If you have a child born on or after 1 September 2002, the government should have sent you a child trust fund voucher. You’ll receive a further voucher when your child is seven. The voucher is £250, although families with an income less than around £16,000 can receive £500.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) administers (a), (b), and (c). The Child Trust Fund administers (d).

Disability

(a) Incapacity benefit.
Claim incapacity benefit If you’re unable to work because of a disability or illness that began before 27 October 2008.

(b) Employment and support allowance.
If you gave up work on or after 27 October 2008 because of a disability or illness, you can claim employment and support allowance. This has replaced incapacity benefit for new claimants.

(c) Disability living allowance.
This is a benefit for adults under 65, and for children. You’re eligible to claim if you are physically or mentally disabled, and have difficulty walking and/or require help with personal care.

(d) Attendance allowance.
Attendance allowance is for those aged 65 or over. It covers the cost of personal care that you need because of a physical or mental disability.

(e) Carer’s allowance.
If you look after a disabled person for at least 35 hours a week, you may qualify for carer’s allowance. The current maximum rate is £53.10 a week. This amount goes down if you receive other benefits such as the State Pension.

(f) The independent living fund.
This fund provides money to help you pay for domestic and personal care at home. You qualify if you are severely disabled.
To claim for any of the allowances mentioned above you will have to contact:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers for (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e).
The social services department of your local council administers for (f).

Low Income

(a) Housing benefit.
Housing benefit can help you pay your rent. The amount you receive varies according to your income and savings.

(b) Council tax benefit.
Council tax benefit reduces your council tax. The amount of reduction depends on your income and savings.

(c) Jobseeker’s allowance.
When you lose your job, you should claim jobseeker's allowance. Those aged 25 or over receive £64.30. 16 - 24 year olds receive £50.95.

(d) Income support.
Claim income support if you cannot work full-time, and have no money or a low income. Your situation determines how much you receive.

(e) Working tax credit.
Claim working tax credit if you’re on low pay. You don’t need children to qualify.
To claim for any of the allowances mentioned above you will have to contact:

• Your local council administers for (a) and (b).
Jobcentre Plus administers for (c) and (d).
HMRC administers for (e).

Retirement

(a) State pension.
You should receive a state pension when you reach 65 if you’re a man, and 60 if you’re a woman. These minimum retirement ages will increase to 68 for men, and 65 for women over the next few decades.

(b) Pension credit.
If your retirement income is low, apply for the guarantee and savings credits of the pension credit scheme.
To claim for either of these allowances contact:

The Pension Service administers (a) and (b).

Other Help

(a) Crisis loans.

DWP offers crisis loans to people experiencing an emergency or disaster, and who don’t have enough money to cope.

(b) Community care grant.

This is a DWP grant to help vulnerable people live independently in the community. Conditions include receipt of benefits such as income support or pension credit.

You should contact the The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers for more information about these.