Benefits can be a very complex area simply because what you are entitled to will depend on your personal circumstances. What one person is entitled to can be very different from another person even though on the surface, it may look like they have similar needs.
The majority of benefits are paid by either the Department for Works & Pensions (DWP) or HMRC but the local authority also administers some benefits. Please see below for links to the relevant organisations.
The Gov.Uk website has some helpful links to benefit calculators that can help you to ascertain if you are entitled to any benefits https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators . If you have any questions about benefits, please seek advice from a service like the Citizen’s Advice West Berkshire or other specialist service.
Benefits and Benefits Advice
Benefits can be a very complex area simply because what you are entitled to will depend on your personal circumstances. What one person is entitled to can be very different from another person even though on the surface, it may look like they have similar needs.
We have provided a general overview of the most commonly asked for benefits, which you will find at the right-hand side of this page. These leaflets will explain further what is available to you.
Lastly, if you have any specific questions on housing benefits, council tax or tax relief, please use the link below
DWP
- Universal Credit - https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
- Job Seekers Allowance – https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance
- Employment Support Allowance - https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
- Carers and disability benefits - https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/disability
HMRC
- Tax Credits - https://www.gov.uk/tax-credits-calculator
- Benefits calculator: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Local Authority
- Housing Benefit - https://info.westberks.gov.uk/housingbenefit
- Council Tax Reduction - https://info.westberks.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction