Benefits, Tax Credits, etc

Child Benefit - everyone who has the right to reside here and is bringing up children should look into this one as it's not means tested.  (Obviously, if you are still under a visa restriction against benefits, then it would not apply to you - same with most benefits.  However, in the instance of children, if one parent is British then that would be a qualifying factor.)

Key Info (FAQ) here:  http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/cb-key.htm
(There is a link along the left hand side for applying online.)

For the tax year 2007-2008, rates are:
£18.10 a week for the eldest child.
£12.10 a week for each additional child.

Working & Child Tax Credits - these are means tested, and are probably the next most common benefit that one would apply for.

http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/qualify/WhatAreTaxCredits.aspx

Find out if you qualify online:

http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/HomeNew.aspx
(Looks like the 'Apply Online' feature for this is not running right now, but there is a link to locate Contact Info.)

These are among the most common benefits that people here generally apply for.  However, there are other benefits for those in certain circumstances - disabled, carers allowance, umemployed, etc.

The Department for Work and Pensions is the government department that is responsible for benefits.

There is a lot of useful information on their website:

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/

Some further helpful links on benefits -- the first, a free & anonymous online calculator to assist an individual with determining eligibility for benefits & tax credits:

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

UK (state) pension service:

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/

A subdivision of the pension website that initially caught my interest regarding Winter Fuel Payments for the elderly:

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel/

Lastly, link for the NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate - saves you money if you are getting 2 or more monthly maintenance prescriptions under the NHS:

http://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/ppc_faq.htm

First another reminder, if you have the right to reside here & you're bringing up children, make sure you are getting your Child Benefit allowance - to which you are entitled.  (Obviously, if you are still under a visa restriction against benefits, then it would not apply to you - same with most benefits.  However, in the instance of children, if one parent is British or one parent has ILR - that qualifies.)

Similarly, if you are bringing up children here, or if you are low income & have no children, be sure to look into your Working & Child Tax Credit eligibility and/or entitlement.  Many, many people who qualify for this are not applying for (and receiving) the money due them, because they think they make too much to qualify.  I believe that the threshold for a family with children could go as high as £60,000 pa household income, before they would no longer be eligible for any tax credits.  Tax Credits are administered through HM Revenue & Customs (Inland Revenue).  It would roughly be considered a program similar to in the US where you get tax deductions, the less you make & the size of your household.  Only here you are getting the payments throughout the year.  It's easy to check your tax credit eligibility - just go to http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

Do not skimp your household on income to which it is legally entitled!

Now, to answer some discussion we had previously on another thread, regarding the frequency of benefit payments:

Child Benefit = 4 weekly, but can be paid weekly if this would prevent hardship

Tax Credits = 4 weekly or weekly, recipient's choice

Jobseekers Allowance = Fortnightly

Incapacity Benefit = Fortnightly, but can be paid weekly if it would prevent hardship

Income Support = Normally paid at same intervals & on same day as any other benefit the recipient gets, otherwise fortnightly

State Retirement Pension = Weekly or 4-weekly, recipient's choice

Pension Credit = Weekly

Disability Living Allowance = 4-weekly, unless it's being received under the terminal illness rules & then it's paid weekly

Attendance Allowance = 4-weekly, unless it's being received under the terminal illness rules & then it's paid weekly