The benefits system can be complicated at the best of times...
What’s more, it’s been constantly evolving in recent years as successive Governments implement changes. But these issues should not detract from a simple fact. Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be entitled to assistance.
In short, the benefits system exists to provide practical help and financial support for those who are unemployed and looking for work. It also provides people with assistance if their earnings are low, if they have a disability, are bringing up children, are retired, care for someone or are ill.
Some of the most common benefits include:
· Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA) – This is the main benefit for adults who are out of work - or who work less than 16 hours a week - and who are actively looking for work.
· Local Housing Allowance – The allowance paid to a private tenant on a low income who is renting property or a room from a private landlord.
· Employment Support Allowance – This is paid to those with a disability or illness and whose ability to work is limited. It succeeded Incapacity Benefit and aims to get people back into some kind of work.
· Pension Credits – These guarantee a minimum income to those of state pension age by topping up their weekly income.
· Attendance Allowance - A tax free benefit for people over 65 who require help with personal care or supervision to remain safe. Disability Living Allowance is the equivalent benefit for people under 65 who have similar needs and/or find it difficult to walk or get around.
· Carer's Allowance - This is a benefit for those who look after someone who is disabled. They do not have to be related to, or live with, the individual that they care for. The person cared for has to be in receipt of the middle or high rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance allowance.
CABA's income maximisation expert, David Ashby, specialises in helping Chartered Accountants and their families receive the full range of benefits to which they are entitled.CABA's income maximisation experts specialise in helping Chartered Accountants and their families receive the full range of benefits to which they are entitled.
He said: “In my experience, there are three main areas of benefits underclaiming - disability, unemployment and old age. But the reasons for underclaiming are many and varied. It’s often the case that accountants have little or no understanding of the benefits system - because they’ve never needed to use it before. And sometimes they simply don’t like the idea of walking into the Job Centre.
“On other occasions, people don’t think that they can apply for benefits because they have limited savings. But if they’ve paid National Insurance during their careers then there’s a possibility that they will be eligible.
“It’s my role to help them understand that they are fully entitled to claim benefits during times of need. When it comes to benefits, CABA provides information, advice and guidance as well as pointing people in the right direction - and people shouldn’t hesitate to ask for assistance.”
Anyone who believes that they might be eligible for benefits – or more assistance than they are currently receiving - can log onto the Turn2Us benefits calculator at http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx.
Call our income maximisation experts on 01788 556366 for assistance.
© CABA 2011