Turn2us - to access benefits & grants.

Benefits and tax credits are payments from the government to certain people on low incomes, or to meet specific needs. They can help you if you:

• Are on a low income
• Are out of work
• Have children
• Are pregnant
• Are sick or disabled
• Have been bereaved
• Are a carer.

Different organisations administer different benefits. These include:

• Department for Work and Pensions which operates through Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service
• HM Revenue and Customs
• Local authorities/councils
• Employers pay some benefits then claim the money back from the Government.

There are basically two types:

• Means–tested. Your means (income, savings and other capital) will be looked at to see if they are low enough for you to qualify. You can get these even if you have not paid enough national insurance contributions.
• Non means-tested. You have a right to these benefits if you have enough national insurance contributions and/or meet the qualifying criteria. It does not matter what income, savings and capital you have.