Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

These benefits are paid by your local Council. All of their websites include detailed information about housing benefit and a benefits calculator which will enable you to work out your entitlement.

Benefits and Tax Credits

All benefits except housing benefit.

If you are in work, looking for work or unable to work contact the JobcentrePlus Helpline on 0800 0556688, lines are open Mon-Fri 8.00am to 6.00pm (textphone 0800 0234888) or your local JobcentrePlus office

If you are disabled, contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200, lines are open Mon-Fri 8.30am to 6.30pm & Sat 9.00am to 1.00pm (textphone 0800 243355).

For information on disability, carers' and jobseekers'  benefits go to www.direct.gov.uk and look under 'disabled people', 'caring for someone' and 'employment'.

www.direct.gov.uk and www.turn2us.org.uk  also have online benefit checkers to make sure you are receiving all the benefits to which you are entitled.

Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

Contact the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 3003900, lines are open Mon-Sun 8.00am to 8.00pm (textphone 0845 3003909) or contact your local HM Revenue & Customs enquiry centre. Also see their website at HM Revenue & Customs: Tax Credits

Pension Credit and benefits for those over pensionable age.

Phone the Pension Service on 0845 6060265 Mon-Fri 8.00am to 8.00pm (textphone 0845 6060285) or see the Pension Service website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk.

You can also try Age UK advice on 0800 1696565 , Mon-Sun 8.00am to 7.00pm or www.ageuk.org.uk contains a wealth of useful information and advice.