Here you can find information on work related benefits.

One of the most common benefits for workers is the Working Tax Credit.

Working Tax Credit

If you work, but earn low wages you may be able to get working tax credit.

You may be eligible if you are 16 and over and:

• Work 16 hours or more a week and you are either responsible for a child or you have a disability
  
  Or

• Work 30 hours or more a week and you are aged 25 and over

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the national authority on Working Tax Credit.  They can provide more information and can tell you if you are eligible to receive Working Tax Credit.

HMRC: 0845 300 3900*

Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm

Visit the HMRC for more information on Working Tax Credit.

For more information on working tax credit and other tax credits, visit the websites below:

Visit the Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) website for information on benefits and tax credits for workers.

Visit the DirectGov website for information on tax credits.

Visit the HMRC website to find out if you're eligible and for what tax credits.

The following are benefits you may be able to get while you are looking for work:

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Jobseeker’s Allowance is the main benefit for people of working age who are out of work.  There are two types of JSA, contribution-based and income-based. The one you get depends on whether you've paid enough National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in the past.

Visit the Jobcentre Plus website for more information on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).

You can also claim Jobseeker’s Allowance online at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) website.

Visit the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) website to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance online.

Income Support

If you can't be available for full-time work and don't have enough money to live on, you may be able to get Income Support benefit.  Whether you qualify or not and how much you get depends on your circumstances.

Please note that there are changes to Income Support for single parents.

For more information and to find out if you qualify for income support, click on one of the links below.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on changes to Income Support for single parents.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on Income Support.

Visit the Jobcentre Plus website to find your local office to speak to someone about Income Support.

Visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) website to find your local office to speak to someone about Income Support.

New Deal Scheme

This is a government scheme that helps you get back to work if you're on benefits.  You will get help and support with all aspects of job hunting including working out your long term goals, job training and interview help.

Visit the Jobcentre Plus website for more information on the New Deal Scheme.

The following are benefits you may be able to get when you go back to work:

Extended Payment of Housing Benefit

This is an extra four weeks of Housing Benefit to help pay rent when certain other benefits stop because you’re going back to work, working more hours or earning more money.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on Extended Payment of Housing Benefit.

Extended Payment of Council Tax Benefit

This is an extra four weeks of Council Tax Benefit to help pay council tax when certain other benefits stop because you’re going back to work, working more hours or earning more money.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on Extended Payment of Council Tax Benefit.

Or you can contact your local council for more information.

Visit the DirectGov website to find and contact your local council.

Job Grant

This is a one time tax-free payment when you or your partner or civil partner start work and stop getting benefits.  

For more information or to claim a Job Grant, contact Jobcentre Plus.

Visit the Jobcentre Plus website to speak to someone about a Job Grant.

The following are benefits you may be able to get if you are ill or have a disability:

Reduced Earning Allowance

You may qualify reduced earning allowance if you can not earn as much as you normally could because of an accident, illness or disease caused by a work-related accident or disease that happened before 1 October 1990.  

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on Reduced Earning Allowance.

Visit the Jobcentre Plus website to speak to someone about Reduced Earning Allowance.

For more information on the disability benefits that are available in the UK, please visit the DirectGov or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) website.

Visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) website section for information about people who are sick or disabled.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on benefits if you’re ill or injured.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on disability benefits.

Disability Employment Advisors

If you need extra employment support because of a disability, your local Jobcentre can put you in touch with one of their Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs).  They can help you find work or gain new skills even if you have been out of work for a long time, or if you have little or no work experience.

Visit the Jobcentre Plus website to find your local office.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on Disability Employment Advisors.

For information on benefits if you are a working parent or if you are pregnant:

Visit the Family benefits section.

(*Helplines will be answered in English. Ask if there is an interpreter available.)