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It can be very difficult to work out if you qualify for a certain benefit. Here is where you can get help:
The Turn2us Benefits Checker can help you calculate your eligibility for some benefits.
An experienced adviser can also help you work out if you qualify for a certain benefit, and they can also help you to fill in the claim form. Find an adviser tool.
In some cases, a social worker will help you make a claim for benefits. You can contact a social worker through your local council. You can find the contact details of your local council (link opens in a new window) on the Government's Directgov website.
The Government has set up a number of helplines to help with certain benefits. For example, the Benefits Enquiry Helpline on: 0800 882 200 can help with benefits you may be entitled to because you have a disability. The Tax Credits helpline is on: 0845 300 3900. In some cases, they will fill the form in for you.
The Government's website Directgov has more information about benefits and where to get further help (link opens in a new window) .
Information about benefits must be available in formats and languages that you can understand. Contact your local benefits office if you need information that has been translated or which is in other formats such as Braille or audio tape.
Most benefits are paid usually directly into your post office, bank or building society account.
If you would have difficulties opening or managing an account, you can be paid by cheque (which can be cashed at a post office) instead. You may need to have your benefits paid in this way if you are homeless, are ill or have a disability. This system is for people who have severe difficulty with using a card and remembering a PIN or using a cash machine or chequebook. It could also be used if you have several different carers who have to collect money for you. If you need to have your benefits paid by cheque, you should get in touch with the benefits office.
If you are having a problem getting the money from your account, for example, because you are sick or disabled, you can nominate someone to access your account on your behalf.
If you have a post office account, contact your local benefits office and ask them how to nominate someone to collect the money for you. When your application is complete and has been processed, your helper will be sent a card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that can be used at any post office to withdraw money from your account on your behalf.
Even if you do not have a post office account, you could allow someone else to access your bank or building society account with your permission. Ask your bank or building society how to arrange this – you will probably have to sign a 'third party mandate instruction form'.
There is more information on nominating someone to collect benefits or a pension for you on the Government's Directgov website.
From 18 January 2010, six of the biggest mobile phone network companies - O2, Orange, Tesco Mobile, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone - will no longer charge their customers for calls to many of the Department of Work and Pensions 0800 benefits claim lines. These numbers are used by people making initial claims for benefits and pensions or to request emergency payments, such as Crisis Loans from the Social Fund.
This information has been produced by Citizens Advice.
Last updated: 22 January 2010
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