Important! For updates on benefits and tax credit changes...
Get MoneySavingExpert’s free, spam-free weekly email full of guides and loopholes.
Unsurprisingly the social security system is a nightmare of complexity, so it's impossible to easily summarise exactly who's eligible for payments. It is easy to say who should check though, using our Benefits Calculator above.
The main thing to remember is that benefits are NOT just for the unemployed. Plus, as rules constantly change, it's worth doing an annual check-up to see if your entitlement's altered.
Many families are entitled to cash from the government but are unaware of their eligibility. In some rare cases, even those earning up to £72,000 in 2012/13 may get help. Sadly, over a million low income pensioners are failing to collect their pension credit.
Cash may be available for anyone in one or more of the following groups:
If you don't know your Jobseeker's Allowance from your Employment Support Allowance, or Council Tax benefit from Child Tax Credit, scan our quick checklist to find out more. Thanks to MoneySavers in the forum for help with this list, especially alwaysonthego.
The list is split into four sections, so you can jump straight to families, work, health/elderly or low income. Or just do this full Benefits Calculator five minute check-up.
A raft of benefits are available if you have children. Some of the benefits in the low income section are also available for families, so check that list too.
Also see the Family MoneySaving guide for other MoneySaving tips.
More info For parents with dependent children. It's paid until the 31 Aug following your child's 16th birthday, or until the age of 20 if they're in full-time education or approved training.
Families earning over £50,000 will stop receiving the full amount, ending entirely for those earning £60,000+, from 2013. See the MSE News Story.
2012/13 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.
More info Tax credits are payouts from the state to support those with children. They are also available for those in work with a low income, see the Work section for more details.
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.
There are a few changes to tax credits in Apr 2012. The income thresholds to claim child tax credit fall to roughly £26,000 with one child, £32,200 with two, £38,800 for three. See the MSE News story for full details.
For a full and detailed guide to Tax Credits see the Tax Credit guide.
2012/13 weekly amount: The credit is made up of several elements, but payments range between £10 and £110 (if you've two kids, more if you've more).
How to apply: Apply online or call 0345 300 3900 (Mon - Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat 8am to 4pm).
More info Guardian's Allowance is for those bringing up a child because one or both of their parents have died. You must be receiving Child Benefit for the child.
2012/13 weekly amount: £15.55 per child
How to apply: Download a form from HMRC.
More info If you have worked for the same firm for longer than six months, and take time off work when a baby is born, your employer will help. The statutory level is the minimum that should be provided, but your individual contract may provide more.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: £135.45 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 Direct.gov pages for Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay.
More info The Mortgage Rescue Scheme is aimed at families whose annual income is under £60,000, have ‘priority needs’ (eg, someone is pregnant, elderly, disabled or has young children) and are in danger of losing their home.
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.
2012/13 amount: Level depends on the value of your mortgage.
How to apply: Contact your local council directly (search for contact details on Direct.gov or just google "www.yourarea.gov.uk") or be referred by a debt help agency.
More info A one-off payment if you've had a baby, or adopted in the last three months, to help pay for baby equipment.
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.
2012/13 amount: One-off £500 payment.
How to apply: You should get the claim form from your midwife or you can download it from Direct.gov.
More info If you're on maternity leave but are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay, eg, you were self-employed, you get Maternity Allowance for 39 weeks.
2012/13 weekly amount: There are some exceptions but it's usually 90% of your average weekly earnings or £135.45, whichever is less.
How to apply: Get a form from your midwife or download it from Direct.gov.
More info A special allowance for widowed parents bringing up a child(ren) or expecting your late husband's baby.
2012/13 weekly amount: A maximum of £105.95.
How to apply: Apply via the Jobcentre or download a claim form from Direct.gov.
If you're in work (on a low income or paying for childcare), looking for work or returning to work, one of the following may be available.
More info Tax credits are payouts from the state to support those in work but with a low income. They're also available for those with kids, see the Family section for more details.
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.
There are a few changes to tax credits in Apr 2012. The hours you need to work to get working tax credit change for some. See the MSE News story for full details.
For a full and detailed guide to Tax Credits see the Tax Credit guide.
2012/13 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 to 8pm, Sat 8am to 4pm).
More info If you've been claiming benefits for a certain number of weeks and then go back to work for 16 or more hours a week, there are a few schemes to help.
The Job Grant makes a one-off payment of £100 if you don't have kids - £250 when you do - if you have been claiming benefits for over six months.
The 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.
2012/13 amount: Varies, see above.
How to apply: Job Centre Plus can help with each scheme, but you will automatically get a Job Grant so long as you qualify. You must claim the In Work Credit before you start work. See more info on Direct.gov.
More info This is the benefit given to those who are looking for work. It's only paid for six months, but savings are not taken into consideration.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: Aged 24 and under £56.25, aged 25 or over £71.00.
How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or claim online via Direct.gov.
These are benefits if you are on a low income (your household income determines if you're eligible), to help pay for day-to-day costs if you do not have money from elsewhere. Most are not paid if you have savings above £16,000.
Also see the Low Income Grants guide for other free cash you may be eligible for.
More info This is paid to people who are not expected to look for work, for example, carers or lone parents with children under the age of seven (dropping to age five from 21 May 2012).
2012/13 weekly amount: Single people aged 24 and under £56.25, single people aged 25 or over £71.00, couples and civil partners (both aged 18 or over) £111.45. 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 Direct.gov.
More info Given to those who are looking for work and their household is on a low income. It's paid for as long as you show you are trying to find a job.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: Single people aged 24 and under £56.25,
single people aged 25 or over £71.00,
couples and civil partners (both aged 18 or over) £111.45. There are extra amounts if you are disabled, a carer or a pensioner.
How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or claim online via Direct.gov.
More info This is paid if you are sick/disabled, your household is on a low income and you are unable to work, or have limited capacity to work. You will need to pass a capability for work assessment.
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 that you are entitled to it.
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.
If you are unable to work, but are not on a low income check contribution-based Employment Support Allowance in the health section below.
2012/13 weekly amount: Aged 24 or under £56.25, aged 25 or over £71.00.
How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or download form ESA1 from Direct.gov.
More info Pension Credit is an extra payment that guarantees most people over 60 a minimum income, yet many don't realise they're missing out on cash they're entitled to.
There are two types. Guarantee Credit, top up income for those on low amounts (savings over £10,000 may reduce the amounts). And Savings Credit, only for those over 65 who have put aside some savings.
For more info see the State Pension guide.
2012/13 weekly amount: The guarantee credit will top up any pension to £142.70 for a single person and £217.90 for a couple. Savings credit pays an extra £18.54 (single) or £23.73 (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 Direct.gov.
Housing Benefit is help for those who struggle to pay their rent.
It's possible to receive weekly amounts of 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. 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.
On 1 Apr 2011 a package of cuts reduced the amount of help available. See the Housing Benefit Guide for full details of these changes and how they affect you.
More info Provides help to pay your council tax. Check if you can get any discounts first though, eg, full time students don't pay, single occupants get 25% off, and if you have a disability or are a carer you can be dropped down a band.
If you're eligible 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.
Also see the Council Tax reclaiming guide to see if you're in the right band.
2012/13 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.
How to apply: Depending on your circumstances, either via the Jobcentre if you're looking for work, the Pensions Service if you're getting Pension Credit or your local council if neither of the above. More info on Direct.gov.
More info Sometimes referred to as 'passported benefits'. Households earning under £16,190, or on income-related benefits, can get cash to help with sending their kids to school as well as free prescriptions, eye tests and dentist fees.
Meals and milk: You can get £340 per year for each school-aged 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 and 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.
2012/13 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 Direct.gov or just google "www.yourarea.gov.uk". Healthy Start applications can be made online or by calling 0845 607 6823 and to get help with healthcare complete form HC1 to get a HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate.
More info If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, the Support for Mortgage Interest scheme could pay the mortgage interest for you.
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.
2012/13 amount: Varies depending on your mortgage but the max payout is around £140.
How to apply: Depending on your circumstances, either via the Jobcentre or Pensions Service if you're getting Pension Credit.
More info As part of the Social Fund, this is for people with special difficulties such as needing help to stay in their own home, coming out of care or prison or are part of a family under exceptional pressure.
It can help pay for certain items or expenses that you cannot afford to pay out of your normal income, such as furniture, travel or removal costs.
Depending on your age, savings over £500 or £1,000 will affect any payments, but you don't have to pay the money back. Demand can be high and for some there isn't a bottomless allocation of money, so your circumstances may mean you're not eligible. If you think you qualify do apply though.
2012/13 amount: Various, depends on funds available from your local council.
How to apply: Download a claim form from Direct.gov.
More info This is also part of the Social Fund so again there's no bottomless pot of money. It provides help if you need things for your home or other things that you cannot pay for in a lump sum, inc. clothes and furnishings.
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.
2012/13 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 Direct.gov.
More info The Social Fund can also help towards paying for a funeral such as burial or cremation fees if you have no other way of paying.
2012/13 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 Direct.gov.
More info The final part of the Social Fund pot is an interest-free-loan to help pay for an emergency, or if you or your family are at risk (eg, you cannot afford to buy food or pay your rent).
Savings over £500 (or £1,000 if over 60) will affect any payments and the money needs to be paid back over two years. Repayments range from 5%-20% of your available income depending on your circumstances. It's usually paid back directly from your benefits, if you receive them.
You used to be able to apply for help to buy white goods and furniture, but this is no longer possible. You can also only apply for a maximum of three loans a year.
2012/13 amount: Between £1 and £1,500 depending on your situation and funds available in your region.
How to apply: Telephone the Jobcentre on 0800 032 7952 or download a claim form (SF401 for day to day expenses and SF300 for a disaster) from Direct.gov.
More info Cold Weather Payments are made to those receiving certain benefits to help with gas and electricity costs during cold weather.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: £25 for each week of cold weather.
How to apply: If you are eligible you’ll be paid automatically. More info on Direct.gov.
There are a few specific benefits to help those who are ill, disabled or elderly. They can be claimed on top of some of the benefits above.
Also see the Over 50s guide for other MoneySaving tips.
More info If you're over 65 and need frequent help with personal care, or someone to supervise you, Attendance Allowance can help.
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 problem (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.
2012/13 weekly amount: There are two rates, low at £51.85 and high at £77.45.
How to apply: You can claim online, by phoning 0800 88 22 00 or by downloading a form from Direct.gov.
More info For those under 65 (including children) who need help to care for themselves or get around.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: There are two components made up of various levels: Care (low £20.55, middle £51.85 and high £77.45); Mobility (low £20.55 and high £54.05).
How to apply: You can claim online, by phoning 0800 88 22 00 or by downloading a form from Direct.gov.
More info Available if you're caring for someone for more than 35 hours a week, and they receive Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance care component at either middle or higher rate.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: £58.45
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 Direct.gov. If you live in Northern Ireland see nidirect.
More info This is paid if you are sick/disabled and unable, or have limited capacity, to work, although you will need to pass a 'capability for work' assessment.
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 that you are 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. Some may find their benefit stops in Apr 2012.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: Aged 24 or under £56.25,
aged 25 or over £71.00. Extra may be available if you are disabled. If you're still on the long term rate of Incapacity Benefit it's £99.15.
How to apply: Phone 0800 055 6688 or download form ESA1 from Direct.gov.
More info This is paid to employees if they are off sick from work for more than four days, for a period of up to 28 weeks.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: £85.85
How to apply: If you need to claim speak to your employer or download a form from Direct.gov.
More info The Basic State Pension is a Government-administered scheme, funded by National Insurance contributions, to give those who have reached the Government-defined retirement age a guaranteed weekly income.
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.
2012/13 weekly amount: £107.45 for a single person and £171.85 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 claim form four months prior to reaching state pensionable age. If you have not call 0800 731 7898 or download a form from Direct.gov.
More info Widows/widowers over the age of 45 but not yet the State Pension age can claim for help for up to a year after the death of a spouse/civil partner.
2012/13 weekly amount: Between £31.79 and £105.95 depending on your age.
How to apply: Apply via the Jobcentre or download a claim form from Direct.gov.
More info If you are under pensionable age and lose a partner, a one-off Bereavement Payment is available if your partner has been paying National Insurance contributions, or if their death was caused by their job.
2012/13 amount: One-off payment of £2,000.
How to apply: Apply via the Jobcentre or download a claim form from Direct.gov.
More info These are one-off payments made each winter to those over 60, regardless of the temperature.
2012/13 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 2012/13 will be available from mid August 2012 on Direct.gov or you can call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15.
If you're struggling for cash go to a Citizens Advice Bureau or one of the network of Independent Advice Centres for a one-on-one detailed benefits check-up.
A further huge info resource is the Benefits and Tax Credits, section in our forum where a number of Citizens Advice-trained people and others voluntarily help out answering people's questions.
It's become a great database of questions and answers on everything to do with benefits. Special thanks to Fran, Alwaysonthego, Fermi and Kimitatsu for organising it. A good place to start is the Useful Links thread.
You could also check the Low Income Grants guide to see if there are other sources of income that you could be eligible for.
This site lists lots of ways to help you try and cut costs, but the first place to start is the Debt Problems guide. No debt problems are unsolvable and this guide will help you find out what to do, depending on your level of debt, and where you can get free help.
If you've also got mental health problems, some special solutions apply. For a full guide to handling debts when stressed, working with banks, getting free one-to-one debt counselling and specific tips for bipolar and depression sufferers, read our free Mental Health & Debt Help PDF booklet.
In the current economic climes it's also sensible for everyone to take a moment to think how they'd be impacted by redundancy and, if possible, put a contingency plan in place. See the full Redundancy Guide for hints and tips.
There's still a stigma to claiming benefits in the UK, even with the Government's attempt to re-brand them as 'tax credits'. Yet for those who shy away from claiming their entitlement, commonly those who worked much of their life, a simple statistic is rather persuasive.
Someone with a typical 40 year working lifespan, earning the roughly average £27,500 salary, would in today's prices pay almost exactly a quarter of a million pounds in tax and National Insurance.
So rather than seeing social security as a favour from the Government, perhaps understand it's an entitlement contributed to in the good times, and repaid when you've less cash. Of course, many have political views that there should be a different benefits system, or even none at all. Yet having that belief doesn't prevent you from paying taxes, so it shouldn't stop you claiming the reciprocal benefit.
The most disturbing group who fail to claim are pensioners, many of whom are entitled to claim Pension Credit. Of course any pensioner reading this should be sorted, but some, especially older pensioners, are disenfranchised from information due to lack of web access. If you know someone where that's the case, why not ask them if they've checked out their benefits? If not, do the simple five minute process for them to check they're not missing out.
Find the best online rate for your holiday cash with MoneySavingExpert's TravelMoneyMax.
Pizza Hut Delivery 2for1
Gap 30% off
Kurt Geiger 25% off
Santander safety Q&A: your questions answered
Power prices now UK consumers' biggest worry
The rogues that ignore 'no cold callers' signs
Compensation for flight delays moves closer
Eurozone crisis could push mortgage rates up
Wish I'd never blogged about it now…
Sainsbury's launches mostly meaningless price promise
A canny bit of gift recycling…
Are you a 'real person'?
