The most common benefits are:

Housing Benefit
If you're on a low income and need help paying your rent then you might be eligible for housing benefit. It can be paid whether or not you are in work. The amount paid depends on your income and personal circumstances. Your local council pays this benefit. For more information:

• Midlothian tenants should click here
• Edinburgh tenants should click here
• South Lanarkshire tenants should click here (including a handy online benefit calculator)
• North Lanarkshire tenants should click here
• East Lothian tenants should click here

Income Support
This is paid to people who are not working more than 16 hours a week. It can top-up other income to a minimum level. Claims can be made at the Job Centre. You may find more information to help you by clicking here or here.

Child Tax Credits
This is paid by HM Revenue & Customs to people with dependent children.

Working Tax Credits
Working Tax Credits are paid to single people working 16 hours a week or more and couples working 24 hours a week or more, and on a low income. It is worked out by HM Revenue & Customs.

More information and claim forms for tax credits are available here.

Attendance Allowance
This is a tax-free benefit. It does not depend on your income. It is paid to people aged 65 or over needing help with personal care because of illness or disability.

Disability Living Allowance
This benefit is tax-free. It does not depend on your income. It is paid to people who need help getting around, or people who need help with personal care, or both. This benefit can also be paid for a child with care or mobility difficulties.

Carer's Allowance
This is a benefit paid if you care for someone who receives Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, care component at the high or middle rate. The care must be regular and substantial, and there are some conditions regarding employment and income. Claiming Carer's Allowance can affect the benefits of the person being cared for so it is very important to seek advice before claiming this benefit.

Further information on these three allowances is available by clicking here or here.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
This benefit is paid to those whose ability to work is limited by ill health, injury, or impairment. There are two types of ESA, contributory and income related. You are entitled to ESA if you are found to have a limited capability for work. You claim ESA from your Job Centre. For more information click here.

Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
This benefit is paid if you are unemployed and looking for full time work. There are two types of JSA, contributory and income related. You claim JSA from your Job Centre and also online here.

Please contact Jacquie if you would like more information on these or any other benefits.