Which benefits or tax credits can I claim?

We want to make sure all residents claim their full welfare benefits entitlements. Each year millions of pounds of benefits and tax credits go unclaimed.

These pages give you basic information about claiming benefits and tax credit in a range of different circumstances. They also guide you to other sites that provide more detailed information.

When your circumstances change there may be extra benefits or tax credits you can claim. Or you might stop being entitled to some benefits. The help you will get will depend on your individual circumstances.

The benefits or tax credits you may be able to claim will depend on your personal circumstances or a particular event in your life you are facing.

Your personal circumstances:

• caring for a sick or disabled adult or child
• caring for children
• expecting or adopting a baby
• long term sick or disabled people
• looking for work
• a benefits guide for older people
• a benefits guide for older people - bengali version (PDF 361KB)
• widowed
• working

A particular event in your life you are facing:

• expectant and new mums
• bereavement / death in the family
• going into or coming out of hospital
• going abroad
• starting a new job

• Contacts for welfare rights advice