OTHER BENEFITS

There are many other benefits such as...

  • Disability Living Allowance

    Leaflet DS704

    For people who need help with personal care, getting around, or both because they are ill or disabled.
  • Incapacity Benefit

    Leaflet IB202

    People who are incapable of work and are employed, but who cannot get Statutory Sick Pay from their employer or who are self employed, unemployed or non employed may get Incapacity Benefit if they have paid enough national insurance contributions.
  • Carers Allowance

    Leaflet SD4

    For people aged 16+ who are spending at least 35 hours a week caring for a severely disabled person who is in receipt of the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance Care Component or Attendance Allowance.
  • Incapacity Benefit

    Leaflet IB(Y)1-2001

    You can receive incapacity benefit under the youth rules if you:
    • Have been incapacitated early in life
    • Are unable to work because of illness or disability
    • Have not paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions to be able to get incapacity benefit under the normal rules

Can I work and still get benefit?

If you are working and on a low income there are a range of benefits that can help you. You may be employed, self employed or work only part-time. You need to ask for advice.

  • If you are receiving benefit and you start work you must inform the Job Centre Plus or local Social Security office immediately. If you are over 18, claims can be made by phoning 0845 600 4266.
  • You will not be able to receive Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance if you work 16 hours or more in any week.
  • If you work less than 16 hours per week the first £5 of your earnings is ignored.
  • When you move in to full time work a Job Grant of £100 may be payable to you.

Okay, how do I claim benefit?

You will have to fill in a form for each type of benefit that you want to apply for. The forms can be long and complicated but it is important to fill them in properly. If you don't you may lose money. You should also make sure you provide all the information requested at the interview to avoid delaying the process of your claim.

  • To get help with completing the forms, ask at your local Social Security office.
  • If you don't understand what people say about benefits ask them to explain.
  • If you think you have been treated unfairly ask at your local Social Security office for help. Do it at once.

What to do if you think that a Social Security Decision is Wrong

  • If you have applied for, or are getting a social security benefit, and you think a decision is wrong, firstly explain your position to the Social Security office, who will look at it again for you.
  • For some decisions you may also be able to appeal to an independent tribunal who can change a decision if they agree that it is wrong. There are time limits for asking for decisions to be looked at again, which are explained in leaflet GL24 from the Social Security office.
  • If you are not satisfied with the way your concerns have been dealt with, get leaflet - JCP - Complaints' which allows you to make comments and complaints about the way your benefits were handled.

Where to get advice on benefits

  • If you are confused or concerned about benefits or just want some information you can contact your local Job Centre Plus or Citizens Advice Bureau.

You can get more information from the Department of Work and Pensions website on: www.dwp.gov.uk

»