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What are Benefits?


We use the term ‘benefits’ to describe any money that is given to us by the government. Benefits are paid to any member of the public, who may need extra money to help them meet the costs of everyday living.


What benefits are there?

Although there are many different types of benefit available, they can all be broken down into two main types. These are:



Means tested benefits will take into account your income (how much you get paid) and any savings that you may have. Means tested benefits are then paid out, providing that your income and savings are sufficiently low enough.

Non-means tested benefits do not rely on your income or savings, but your individual circumstances will affect whether your claim will be successful.

There are two main types of Non-means tested benefits. These are known as:


You will become eligible for Contributory Benefits providing that you have made sufficient National Insurance Contributions over a specific period of time.

Non-contributory benefits are paid for through the tax system, and as a result, will not rely on your Contribution record.


So what are they for?

There are many different kinds of benefit available. Each one has been designed to pay out under specific circumstances. There are benefits available to cover:

It may even be that you are already eligible for some form of financial help because of your circumstances. If any of the above circumstances apply to your current situation, then you should enquire about claiming a benefit.

For more information and activities on benefits please visit www.doughuk.com

Who deals with benefit claims?

There are several government bodies throughout the country that deal with the distribution of certain benefits. These include the Inland Revenue, the Jobcentre plus agency, and local authorities (local councils).

The agency that you will need to contact will depend on the benefit that you are making a claim for. The A to Z of benefits section of the site will tell you which agencies deal with a particular benefit, and will also provide you with information on how to apply.

It is important that you realise that the benefits system is a very complicated one, and if you find that you have trouble understanding your entitlement, or if you feel that you need help at any stage of your claim, then you should seek some advice.

If you do need any assistance, then please feel free to e-mail us, or go to your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau and speak to an adviser.

Disclaimer,   Target Audience,   Jurisdiction    Last updated & checked: 29/03/2006