How to claim benefit
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.
You can find out more below and from a series of podcasts available to download from iTunes.
The different types of benefit
Benefits are available for people of working age, for pensioners, for families and children, and for people with disabilities 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.
Benefits are divided into four groups:
- benefits for people of working age
- benefits for people who have retired or who are planning to retire
- benefits for families and children
- benefits for people with disabilities and carers
- How to claim benefits podcast (mp3, 1.4Mb)
Benefits for people of working age
If you are looking for work (or are in low paid work) you can get financial help and support from Social Security/Jobs and Benefits offices and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
- Employed or looking for work - benefits information
- Contact your local Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office (contacts section)
Benefits for people of working age podcast (mp3, 1Mb)
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 administered by the Pension Service.
Benefits for people who have retired or who are planning to retire podcast (mp3, 1.25Mb)
Benefits for families and children
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.
This help is provided by different sections of the Department for Social Development and HMRC. Your nearest Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office will help you find the right department to answer any questions you may have.
- Contact your local Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office (contacts section)
- Expecting or bringing up children - benefits information
Benefits for families and children podcast (mp3, 1.4Mb)
Benefits for people with disabilities and carers
There is a range of local and central government support available for people who are sick, or who have disabilities, 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.
Benefits for people with disabilities and carers podcast (mp3, 0.8Mb)
Who to ask about your benefit
Your nearest Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office will help you with any questions you have about your benefits situation.
Contact the Pension Service to discuss your state retirement pension. For information on benefits administered by HMRC, such as tax credits, contact your local Tax Office.
- Contact your local Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office (contacts section)
- Contact the Pension Service (contacts section)
- Contact details for all Tax Offices on the HM Revenue and Customs website
Additional benefits information podcast (mp3, 1.1Mb)
Claim Online
You can claim the following benefits online:
- Disability Living Allowance (for an adult or a child)
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Maintenance
- State Retirement Pension
- Money, tax and benefits online
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