Introduction to Benefits

The subject of benefits is often confusing, with there being many different benefits available.  It is often confused further by the fact that you may be entitled to claim for more than one.  In this section we give you guidance and help to show you what is available, where to go, and how to apply.

See our links below to answer some of the most common queries about benefits.

Who is responsible for benefits?

Who can claim benefits?

How do I apply?

Where can I get help or advice?

Who is responsible for benefits?

Benefits are administered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).  The DWP has a number of "businesses" which carry out the day to day administration of benefits, so although it may appear you are dealing with different organisations, they all fall under the control of the DWP.

DWP organisations

Jobcentre Plus

www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Provides an integrated service to people of working age. It offers help to people looking to move into work and support for people who can't. Jobcentre Plus also provides a range of services to help employers fill their vacancies quickly.

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The Pension Service

www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Is a dedicated service for current and future pensioners. It provides state financial support to over 11 million pensioners delivered at a national and local level and in partnership with other organisations. It also helps people to plan and provide for retirement.

Child Support Agency

www.csa.gov.uk

Is responsible for running the child support system. It assesses, collects and pays Child Support Maintenance, ensuring that children whose parents do not live together are financially supported.

Disability and Carers Service

www.dwp.gov.uk/dcs/

Support Disabled People and their carers, whether or not they work. It is responsible for delivering Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Carer's Allowance.

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The Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive

www.hse.gov.uk

Protect people's health and safety by ensuring risks at work are properly controlled.

The Rent Service

www.therentservice.gov.uk

Provides a rental valuation service for housing benefit purposes, fair rent valuation for landlords and tenants, and advice to customers within the public and private sectors on these issues.

Appeals Service

www.appeals-service.gov.uk

Consists of two distinct bodies. One arranges independent tribunals to hear appeals about decision made by the Department and its agencies. The other sits outside the Department and looks after the legal side of running tribunals.

Debt Management

www.dwp.gov.uk

Provides a debt management service to the Department, from overpayment calculation through to recovery of debt.

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Who can claim benefits?

There are benefits and services available for: -

• people of working age, providing financial help and support;

• pensioners and people planning pensions;

• Disabled People or those who are sick and unable to work ; and

• people with children.

The DWP web-site has sections relating to each group where you can pick an area that relates to you and check if you are able to get any of the benefits and services.

People of working age,

Pensioners and people planning pensions,

Disabled People and Carers,

Children and Families,

The DWP also has a useful A -Z of benefits and services.

DWP A - Z of benefits and services,

In addition the Government Web-site DirectGov has a section covering Money Tax and Benefits.

Money Tax and Benefits,

This includes Fact Sheets on each type of Benefit.

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How do I apply?

There are two ways in which you can apply for benefits, either on-line or by post.  The method of application differs for each benefit although more and more application forms are being put on-line.

See our How to Apply [Link: How to Apply] section for more detail, for links to application forms.

Where can I get help or advice?

If you are of working age then your local Jobcentre Plus can help you with all your benefit queries.  To find your local Jobcentre Plus use the link below.

Find my local Jobcentre Plus,

If you are a pensioner or looking towards your retirement then your local Pension Centre will help.  To find your local Pension Centre use the link below.

Find my local Pension Centre,

You can also get independent advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.  To locate your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau use the link below.

Find my local Citizens Advice Bureau,

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