Here's where you can find details about some of the most common benefits available.  They are not all listed here, and for more information you should always contact either the numbers listed, or a body such as Citizen's Advice (01254 394210) or Welfare Rights (01254 301141, click here to visit their website) who should be able to give you more specific advice.

Minimum wage - Not exactly a benefit as such, but most people in the UK are now entitled to receive a minimum amount of pay, depending on their age.  Those aged 22 and over are entitled to £4.50 per hour, 18-21 are entitled to £3.80, as are those aged 22 and undertaking accredited training.  For details on this, click here or call the Minimum Wage Helpline 0845 600 0678.

Child Benefit - Child Benefit is paid to parents bringing up children, an amount is paid per child and is not affected by your income or savings.  You are likely to be entitled to receive Child Benefit if you have children aged 16 or under, or up to 19 if they are studying full time on A-Level courses or equivalent.  You may also be entitled if your child is aged 16-17 and has left school recently and is registered with Connexions or the Careers Service as looking for work or training.  Click here for more information on Child Benefit.

Carer's Allowance - If you spend over 35 hours a week caring for someone, you may be entitled to this benefit, formerly known as Invalid Care Allowance.  Call their helpline or check their website to find out if you qualify. 01253 856123.

Disability Benefits - Call the Disability Benefits Helpline to find out what benefits you could be entitled to if you are registered disabled,0845 712 3456, textphone 0845 722 4433.

Old Age Pension - For those who are retired, or are currently considering reitrement, see the website for more details, or call the helpline on 0845 606 0265.

Tax Credits - Nine out of ten families with children qualify for some level of tax credits - you could be one of them and not even know it.  It's not always necessary to have children to qualify either, so take a look at their website to find out more, or call: 0845 300 3900, Textphone 0845 300 3909.

National Benefit Fraud Hotline:If you're aware of someone committing benefit fraud, call the hotline on 0800 854 440.

Redundancy Payments Office - If you're made redunant you may be entitled to a payment from your employer.  To find out if you could be entitled to something, click here or call the helpline on 0845 145 0004.

Inland Revenue Business Support Team: Troubled by tax or National Insurance? Your local Business Support Team can offer you free, confidential help. If you are a new or small business or a new or small employer our network of Business Support Teams can help. They will talk you through how to keep good records, when to send in information, what you need to do to process your payroll and answer any questions that you may have regarding Tax and National Insurance. The Business Support Teams offer help in a variety of methods. Contact them on 01254 380893.