People on a low income

If you are on a low income, depending on your circumstances, you might have the right to the welfare benefits detailed below:

If you follow the links, we tell you more about each benefit, who can claim it, how much you can get, how to apply, and where to go for further help.

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This information has been produced by Citizens Advice.

Date of publication: 5 November 2008

Available benefits

Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit is to help people on a low income who have to pay Council Tax.

Employment and Support Allowance

Housing Benefit (Northern Ireland)

Information on Housing Benefit in Northern Ireland

Housing Benefit (England, Scotland, Wales) - Turn2us

Help with housing costs for those on a low income in England, Scotland and Wales.

Income Support

Jobseeker's Allowance – an introduction

Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are unemployed, capable of working and looking for a job

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Social Fund

The Social Fund is a government scheme to help people on a low income with emergency expenses.

Budgeting Loans from the Social Fund

Budgeting Loans help people on a low income to pay for essential items like furniture, household equipment or clothing.

Cold Weather Payments from the Social Fund

Cold Weather Payments is money to help with fuel costs during periods of very cold weather.

Community Care Grants from the Social Fund

Community Care Grants help with expenses like furniture, clothing and household equipment...

Crisis Loans from the Social Fund

A Crisis Loan is to help people on a low income pay for essential items like furniture, household equipment or clothing.

Working Tax Credit - Turn2us

Working Tax Credit is money paid to working people who are on a low income

Grants to help with energy efficiency

If you need help paying for heating and insulation improvements in your privately-owned or rented home, you may be able to get money from the Government's Warm Front Scheme

Healthy Start Food Vouchers and vitamins

If you are pregnant or have young children, you might qualify for Healthy Start Food Vouchers

Turn2us - to access benefits & grants.