A quick guide to benefits

The state offers a wide range of benefits for people who need them, but many people simply don't claim. In fact, for some types of benefit, only around half of those entitled actually claim, according to the Department of Work and Pensions.

Why? Perhaps people think the amount they'd receive isn't worth bothering about. Or perhaps they're already receiving one benefit and don't know they're entitled to another as well.

Checklist of the benefits available:

• Attendance Allowance
• Bereavement Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Child Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Cold Weather Payments
• Community Care Grants
• Council Tax Benefit
• Crisis Loans
• Disability Benefits
• Funeral Payments
• Health Benefits
• Help with mortgage interest
• Help with prison visits
• Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
• Housing Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Maternity Allowance
• One-off 70+ Payment
• Over 80 Pension
• Pension Credit
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Social Fund
• Statutory Maternity Pay
• Sure Start Maternity Grants
• Widowed Parent's Allowance
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Working Tax Credits

What should you be getting?

Go to Entitledto.co.uk and use its calculators to find out what you could be claiming. For more information on any type of benefit, read Directgov's find out where to claim and more.

Working Tax Credit

If you work but are on low pay, you might be eligible for Working Tax Credit, whether you're employed or self-employed. You'll get more if you're responsible for children, have to pay for childcare, are disabled, or over 50. Find out more about Working Tax Credit at the Directgov site.

Does the cost of childcare stop you getting a job?

Working Tax credit could well make it worth while - the childcare element of it covers up to 80% of eligible childcare costs, up to £175 a week for one child, or £300 for two or more.

The content of this article is intended for general information and personal use only. Nothing in this article should be construed as advice under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

©2008 Rachel's Guide to Money