Claiming benefits

The Government pays benefits to people who are suffering financial hardship for a number of different situations.

The money is for essential living costs such as food, clothing and housing.

Benefits may be available:

If you are out of work, you may be able to claim Job Seekers Allowance
If you have children, you can claim Child Benefit, and may be able to claim Child Tax Credits
If you have a low income, you may be able to claim Working Tax Credits
If you are ill or disabled, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance or Disability Living Allowance

There are strict rules about who is entitled and it is important to find out if you are entitled to any benefits.

If you are struggling financially it is important to make sure you are getting all the income you are entitled to. The extra money you get each month can make a big difference to your situation. If you think you may be eligible to claim a benefit you should apply for it.

FAQs

Can I appeal about a benefit overpayment?

England and Wales > Budgeting > Claiming benefits

You can appeal against most overpayments. Details about how to appeal will be included on the letter you receive about the overpayment. If you have been overpaid a benefit you should contact your benefit office as soon as possible. Overpayments can happen for a number of reasons – maybe you had a change in your situation and did not tell the benefit office. Overpayments can also happen because of administrative errors. You will have to pay the overpayment back if the benefit office thinks it is your fault you have been overpaid.

Can I appeal if I have had my application for a benefit turned down?

England and Wales > Budgeting > Claiming benefits

If you have applied for a benefit and been turned down you can appeal. You normally need to appeal within one month of the decision being made. You should write to the benefit office that turned down your application and ask them to look at your situation again.

I have had a change in my situation. Will this affect my benefits?

England and Wales > Budgeting > Claiming benefits

These are some examples of changes that could happen in your situation that could affect your benefit entitlement:

getting married or moving in with a partner or civil partner
moving house
getting a new job
getting a pay rise
taking in a lodger
no longer being sick or ill
moving abroad

If there are any changes in your situation, you need to contact your benefit office as soon as possible and let them know.