Families with one person earning over £50,000 stopped receiving the full amount in Jan 2013, ending entirely for those earning £60,000+. See the MSE News story Q&A.

2013/14 weekly amount: Your eldest child will get £20.30 and other children £13.40. This was frozen for three years in 2011.

How to apply: You will usually get an application form in the bounty pack from your midwife or you can download one from HMRC.

They're paid via the tax office and anyone aged over 16 who normally lives in the UK and has children, whether working or not, can apply to get them.

For full information, see the Tax Credits guide.

2013/14 weekly amount: The credit is made up of several elements, but payments range between £10 and £105 (if you've two kids, more if you've more).

How to apply: Apply online or call 0345 300 3900 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm).

2013/14 weekly amount: £15.55 per child

How to apply: Download a form from HMRC.

Statutory Maternity Pay is for those who are pregnant and employed (Adoption Pay has similar rules for those adopting). They are paid for up to 39 weeks whilst you are on leave from work. You must have worked for the same employer for 26 weeks by your qualifying week (the 15th week before the week in which your baby is due).

Paternity Pay is paid by an employer for two weeks, usually to the child's father, once the child has been born and has the same 'qualifying rules' as Maternity Pay.

2013/14 weekly amount: £136.78 or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower. Maternity Pay is higher in the first six weeks if you earn above £150 a week.

How to apply: Payments are made via your employer so speak to your manger or human resources department. For more info on each, see the Gov.uk pages for Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay.

If you qualify, the Government enlists a registered social landlord to buy either part or all of your home at an independently assessed price, in order to decrease your monthly payments.

For details see the full Mortgage Arrears Help guide.

2013/14 amount: Level depends on the value of your mortgage.

How to apply: Contact your local council directly (search for contact details on Gov.uk or just Google "www.yourarea.gov.uk"), or be referred by a debt help agency.

From April 2011 this was restricted to the first child only, so you won't be able to apply if you've already got kids under 16.

2013/14 amount: One-off £500 payment.

How to apply: You should get the claim form from your midwife, or you can download it from Gov.uk.

2013/14 weekly amount: There are some exceptions, but it's usually 90% of your average weekly earnings or £136.78, whichever is less.

How to apply: Get a form from your midwife or download it from Gov.uk.

2013/14 weekly amount: A maximum of £108.30.

How to apply: Download a claim form from Gov.uk.

They're paid via the tax office and anyone aged over 16 who normally lives in the UK and works over the minimum hours for their circumstances can apply to get them.

For full information, see the Tax Credits guide.

2013/14 weekly amount: The credit is made up of several elements, and a few were frozen for three years in 2011. Payments could be as much as £90, much more if you pay for childcare.

How to apply: Apply online or call 0345 300 3900 (Mon-Fri 8am- 8pm, Sat 8am-4pm).

Return to Work Credit gives £40 a week for 52 weeks if you have, or had, a health problem and go back to work into a low income.

In Work Credit pays lone parents £40 per week (£60 in London) for up to 52 weeks if you have been claiming benefits for over a year.

2013/14 amount: Varies, see above.

How to apply: Jobcentres can help with each scheme but you must claim the In Work Credit before you start work. Gov.uk has more info on Return to Work Credit and In Work Credit.

You can also work under 16 hours and still claim, but it will reduce your payment.

If you're looking for work and are on a low income, look at income-based Jobseeker's Allowance in the low income section below.

2013/14 weekly amount: Aged 24 and under £56.80, aged 25 or over £71.70.

How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or claim online via Gov.uk.

2013/14 weekly amount: Single people aged 24 and under £56.80, single people aged 25 or over £71.70, couples and civil partners (both aged 18 or over) £112.55. There are extra amounts if you are disabled, a carer or a pensioner.

How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or download form A1 from Gov.uk.

Any savings between £6,000 and £16,000 will reduce the amount you could claim. You can also work less than 16 hours and still claim, but it will reduce your payment.

If you're looking for work but are not on a low income look at contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance in the work section above.

2013/14 weekly amount: Single people aged 24 and under £56.80, single people aged 25 or over £71.70, couples and civil partners (both aged 18 or over) £112.55. There are extra amounts if you are disabled, a carer or a pensioner.

How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or claim online via Gov.uk.

This is a political hot potato. A large number of people claim, but there are accusations that some abuse the system. Don't let this put you off claiming if you think you're entitled to it.

The assessment (there are some groups that do not need to take this, for example, if you are terminally ill) looks at a series of activities and you are given points. If your total reaches at least 15, then you are assessed as having a limited capability for work.

If you are unable to work, but are not on a low income, check contribution-based Employment Support Allowance in the health section below.

2013/14 weekly amount: Aged 24 or under £56.80, aged 25 or over £71.70.

How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or download form ESA1 from Gov.uk.

There are two types. Guarantee Credit tops up income for those on low amounts (savings over £10,000 may reduce the amounts) while Savings Credit is only for those over 65 who have put aside some savings.

For more info, see the State Pension guide.

2013/14 weekly amount: Guarantee Credit will top up any pension to £145.40 for a single person and £222.05 for a couple. Savings Credit pays an extra £18.06 (single) or £22.89 (couples). There are extra amounts if you are disabled or a carer.

How to apply: Call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 or download an application form from Gov.uk.

In social housing (from a council or Housing Association) you'll get a reduction in the amount of rent you pay. See the Benefits Changes 2013 infographic to see if you're affected by the new 'bedroom tax' that started on 1 April 2013.

In private rented properties you'll be given the cash to pay your rent yourself. Here it's possible to receive weekly amounts up to £250 for a one-bed property, £290 for a two-bed, £340 for a three-bed and £400 for four or more beds. See the Housing Benefit for Private Renters guide for more info.

If you're eligible you may also be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Each council has a set budget for further help with housing costs, although guidelines vary from place to place.

2013/14 weekly amount: Depends on your rent, your income, where you live, how many bedrooms you have and how many people live in your home.

How to apply: Either claim alongside one of the other income based benefits above, get a claim form from your local council (search for contact details for your local council on Gov.uk or just Google "www.yourarea.gov.uk") or download a form from Gov.uk.

Most councils now ask residents to pay something towards their bill, even if they haven't paid before – this could be around 10% of the bill.

If you're eligible for support you may also be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Each council has a set budget, although guidelines vary from place to place.

Check if your council gives any discounts too, eg, full time students are free, single occupants get 25% off, and if you have a disability or are a carer you can be dropped down a band.

Also see the Council Tax reclaiming guide to see if you're in the right band.

2013/14 weekly amount: Depends on your council tax, but the average is around £25. You could receive all or part of your bill depending on your income and where you live.

How to apply: Contact your local council or just Google "www.yourarea.gov.uk" to find out it's procedure.

Meals and milk: You could get help for each child to pay for school lunches. If your council provides free milk, getting free meals makes you eligible for this too.

Uniforms: Some local councils also help with the cost of school clothing and footwear (maybe offering around £30 for primary and £80 for secondary school gear).

Fruit and Veg: Healthy Start is a scheme which gives £3.10/week in vouchers if you're pregnant or have kids under four (£6.20/week for babies under 1) to buy milk and fresh or frozen fruit & veg. The vouchers can be redeemed at most big supermarkets as well as some corner shops, greengrocers and market stalls. See more info on Healthy Start.

Health costs: Help is available to pay for prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and glasses or contact lenses plus travel to hospital and wigs.

2013/14 amount: Varies, see above.

How to apply: You apply for meals/uniforms via your local school or council. Search for contact details for your local council on Gov.uk or just Google "www.yourarea.gov.uk". Healthy Start applications can be made online or by calling 0845 607 6823.

To get help with healthcare, complete form HC1 to get a HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate.

If you're eligible, after 13 weeks of claiming certain benefits, the Government steps in and makes the interest payments on the first £200,000 of your outstanding mortgage for the time you can’t afford them. The level of interest is set by the Government - it's currently 3.63%. Your specific rate isn’t used.

As this only pays the interest, you'll need to cover the rest of the money yourself or temporarily see if you can switch to an interest-only mortgage.

See the Mortgage Arrears Help guide for more info.

2013/14 amount: Depends on your mortgage, but the max payout is about £140.

How to apply: Depending on your circumstances, either via the Jobcentre or Pensions Service if you're getting Pension Credit.

You can only apply if you've been on an income-based benefit for at least 26 weeks and demand can be high so there isn't a bottomless pot of money.

Savings over £1,000 (or £2,000 if over 60) will affect any payments. The money needs to be paid back within two years, usually directly from your benefits. Repayments range from 5%-20% of your available income depending on your circumstances.

2013/14 amount: You can apply to borrow from £100 to £1,500 depending on the urgency of your situation and funds available in your region.

How to apply: Apply via your nearest Jobcentre or download a SF500 claim form from Gov.uk.

2013/14 amount: Up to £700 is available, but you may have to pay some of it back.

How to apply: Apply via the Jobcentre or download a claim form from Gov.uk.

Emergency situations include you or your families’ health being at risk, not being able to afford to buy food, needing help to stay in your own home and coming out of care, hospital or prison.

Sadly this is a postcode lottery, each council can choose whether to offer financial help or not or who is eligible. For example, some may give furniture or food grants while others may give cash.

You don't have to pay the money back but demand can be high and there isn't a bottomless pot of money, so your circumstances may mean you're not eligible.

2013/14 amount: Depends on the help offered by your local council.

How to apply: Contact your local council or just Google "www.yourarea.gov.uk" to find out it's procedure.

They are automatically paid if the average temperature where you live is recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days between November and March.

Around four million people are potentially eligible, more than two million of whom are pensioners who receive the Pension Credit.

2013/14 weekly amount: £25 for each week of cold weather.

How to apply: If you are eligible, you’ll be paid automatically. More info on Gov.uk.

You'll need to provide full details of how you need help, eg, toileting, dressing, washing, eating or supervision to avoid harm to yourself and others. But it can help with physical problems (including sensory, such as blindness), mental problems (including learning difficulties), or both.

Some will be asked to attend a medical examination to show what help you need.

2013/14 weekly amount: There are two rates, low at £53.00 and high at £79.15.

How to apply: You can claim online, by phoning 0800 88 22 00 or by downloading a form from Gov.uk.

Help with your care spans from preparing a cooked meal to frequent help with personal care issues such as toileting, dressing, washing, eating and supervision to avoid harm to themselves and others.

Mobility help includes support when walking outdoors, being unable or virtually unable to walk, being both deaf and blind or if you are severely mentally impaired. Since 2011 it's been open to those with a severe visual impairment as well.

From 8 April 2013 onwards Disability Living Allowance will gradually be replaced with the Personal Independence Payment. See the Gov.uk site for when you'll be affected.

2013/14 weekly amount: There are two components made up of various levels: Care (low £21.00, middle £53.00 and high £79.15); Mobility (low £21.00 and high £55.25).

How to apply: You can claim online, by phoning 0800 88 22 00 or by downloading a form from Gov.uk.

You can continue to work, as long as you don't earn over £100 a week. You can also study, as long as it's under 21 hours a week.

2013/14 weekly amount: £59.75

How to apply: If you live in England, Scotland or Wales you can claim online., Alternatively, call 0800 88 22 00 or download a form from Gov.uk. If you live in Northern Ireland, see NI Direct.

This replaced Incapacity Benefit in 2008, which some people will still be getting. Both are political hot potatoes, as a large number of people claim, and there are accusations that some abuse the system. Don’t let this put you off claiming if you think you're entitled.

The assessment (there are some groups that do not need to take this, eg, if you are terminally ill) looks at a series of activities and you are given points. If your total reaches at least 15, then you are assessed as having a limited capability for work.

After the assessment you're placed in either the Work-Related Activity or Support Group. The former helps you prepare to go back to work and is now limited to one year's payments.

If you are unable to work and are on a low income, look at income-based Employment Support Allowance benefit in the low income section above.

2013/14 weekly amount: Aged 24 or under £56.80, aged 25 or over £71.70. Extra may be available if you are disabled. If you're still on the long- term rate of Incapacity Benefit it's £101.35.

How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or download form ESA1 from Gov.uk.

Many employers will have a contractual agreement to pay more, in which case you do not need to claim the benefit, but this is the minimum you will get.

2013/14 weekly amount: £86.70

How to apply: Speak to your employer or download a form from Gov.uk.

For a full guide on how the pension works, and whether it's worth paying to boost the amount you get (including a unique calculator), read the State Pension Boosting guide.

2013/14 weekly amount: £110.15 for a single person and £176.15 for a couple if you have built up the full amount of National Insurance contributions (usually between 30 and 44 years depending on your sex and age).

How to apply: You should automatically receive a form four months before you reach state pensionable age. If not, call 0800 731 7898 or download a form from Gov.uk.

2013/14 weekly amount: Between £32.49 and £100.72, depending on your age.

How to apply: Apply via the Jobcentre or download a claim form from Gov.uk.

2013/14 amount: One-off payment of £2,000.

How to apply: Apply via the Jobcentre or download a claim form from Gov.uk.

2013/14 amount: It's £200 for households with someone aged up to 79, or £300 for households with someone aged 80 or above.

How to apply: The claim form for winter 2013/14 is available on Gov.uk or you can call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15.