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There are many of types of benefits that are paid to people by the government.
The benefits system is complicated. Claiming can be difficult and time-consuming. If you are not sure whether you can claim, get advice from your local Citizens' Advice Bureau, a disability organisation, a carers' project or Age Concern branch. Contact details are in Finding Help
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Income Support/Pension Credit
This benefit is for people who have no income or whose income is below minimum levels set by the government. -
National Insurance Credits/Home Responsibilities Protection
Covers National Insurance Credits and Home Responsibilities protection. -
Attendance Allowance
This is a benefit for disabled people aged 65 or over, who find it difficult to care for themselves. -
Disability Living Allowance
This benefit is for disabled people aged under 65 who find it difficult to care for themselves. -
Incapacity Benefit
This is a benefit for people who are unable to work because of illness or disability. -
Jobseeker's Allowance
This is paid to people who are unemployed or working part-time and are expected to look for a full-time work. -
Working Tax Credit
This is for people who are in work. Usually you must be over 25 and work for at least 30 hours a week. -
Child Tax Credit
This is for people who look after a child under 16 (or under 19 in education). -
Help with health costs
People on low income or because of their age or medical condition may be able to get help with certain health costs such as prescriptions. -
Social Fund
The Fund helps people to pay for one-off expenses, including funeral, winter or cold weather expenses. -
Housing Benefit
This benefit helps people on a low income pay their rent. -
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA has replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support for those who are not well enough to work and making a claim on or after 27th October 2008. -
Work Focused Benefit Interviews
Changes to benefits mean that some carers are now being called to a work focused interview. We explain the facts. -
Help with council tax
Carers may be able to reduce their council tax bill and / or claim Council Tax Benefit