It is important that you get a regular benefit check through your local council to establish whether you are getting your full benefit entitlement. You can do this by going to an independent advice centre or advisory services such as Citizens Advice Bureau.

If a person over the age of 65 is having difficulties with personal care tasks due to illness or physical or mental disability, you can claim for Attendance Allowance of either £54.45 or £81.30 per week (2014/15). This is a non means tested, non taxable benefit to pay for extra support costs.

In April 2013, a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment replaced DLA for disabled people aged 16 – 64. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is the new benefit that has replaced DLA for working age adults with a disability. As with DLA, PIP is designed to help you meet some of the extra costs you may have because of a long term health condition or disability.

Pension credit is an income related benefit made up of 2 parts guarantee credit and savings credit. Guarantee credit tops up your weekly income if it below £148.35 for single people and £226.56 for couples. Savings credit is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, e.g. a pension. You do not have to pay tax on a pension credit.

You may not be eligible for savings credit if you reach state pension age on or after 6th April 2016.

Carers allowance is £61.35 a week to help you look after someone with substantial caring needs. You don’t have to be related to, or live with the person you care for. You must be 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for them. Carers allowance is taxable and it can also affect your other benefits.