Benefits and Tax Credits
Benefits
Depending on your individual circumstances it may be that you are entitled to benefits. Here are brief guides to some of the key benefits, with sources of further advice:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance – To be eligible you must be out of work or working less than 16 hours a week. You must be actively seeking work and be capable of working. Generally you are not eligible for this allowance if you are a full-time student – contact your local Jobcentre Plus for further advice.
- Income Support – To be eligible you must be aged 16-The age that you can receive Pension Credit and either a lone parent, registered as sick or disabled, or caring for someone who is sick or elderly. You won’t be eligible if you work 16+ hours a week or have a partner who works 24+ hours a week. Find out more.
- Housing Benefit - you may be able to receive this if you are on a low income, if you are not working and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent. Most full time students do not qualify unless you have children or are disabled. Find out more.
- Child Benefit – To be eligible you must be responsible for a child under 16 or a young adult in training or education. Find out more.
The following website provides a benefits calculator to help you work out your benefit entitlement www.entitledto.co.uk
Tax Credits
You may be eligible for extra support if you have children or are registered disabled.
- Child Tax Credit – To be eligible you must be at least 16, a UK resident not subject to immigration control and responsible for a child or young adult in full time education. Find out more.
- Working Tax Credit – To be eligible you must be at least 16, a UK resident not subject to immigration control and working at least 16 hours a week. In addition you should either be responsible for a child, disabled or aged 50+ and unemployed / have been incapable of work for at least six months. If you are not responsible for children and are aged 25 or over you need to do paid work of at least 30 hours to get Working Tax Credit. Find out more.
