Who can claim
You can claim benefit if you are working, unemployed or retired but you must be on a low income. How much you get will depend on your income and savings (plus your partner's if you have one). It will also depend on who else lives with you and what their ages and incomes are.
If you have over £16,000 you will not qualify for any benefit (unless you are in receipt of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit). Any savings over £6,000 will affect the way your claim is calculated dependant on whether you are under or over 60.
You must be liable for the rent or council tax to qualify. We may decide to treat you as not being liable under the rules set by the government. For example you will not qualify if you pay rent to a close relative who you live with, or if we do not consider the tenancy to be on a commercial basis.
Some other groups of people do not qualify for benefit such as most full-time students or asylum seekers.
If you are not sure if you qualify, you should apply straight away. We will make a decision and let you know if you can get any benefit.
Visit our benefit claim and calculator page to find out if you qualify and to start your claim.
Page updated: 17 Nov 2011
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