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 0845 6004258, lines are open Mon-Fri 8.00am to 6.00pm (textphone 0845 6004261).

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).

See also the Department for Work and Pensions website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/ which lists all the benefits available, how to claim them and who to contact.

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 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 the Help the Aged Seniorline service on tel. 0808 8006565, lines are open Mon-Fri 9.00 to 4.00 (textphone 0800 269626) or Age Concern’s Information Line on tel. 0800 009966. The Help the Aged and Age Concern websites contain a wealth of useful information and advice http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/ and http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/.