The welfare state has had its fair share of critics over the years although it is without question that the state plays a vital role in providing assistance to people in need throughout the United Kingdom.

The social security benefit structure is not surprisingly a very complex one. There are certain benefits that are means tested which means that on assessment of an individual’s income or savings, the benefits are adjusted accordingly. There are a wide variety of benefits on offer which intend to cover many different circumstances for people in financial need. Many benefits however are only available in small amounts are often only designed to supplement an income rather than provide a sole income. The following list comprises of the main benefits (not exhaustive) available today and part of the criteria in which an individual must qualify in order to access them. All information provided is based on rules relating to benefits at the time of writing and it is important to realise that certain criteria will change on a periodic basis.

Working tax credit

Working tax credit was a current government initiative and was first introduced in April 2003. The purpose behind the working tax credit was to enhance the income of low paid workers. It is designed for both employed and self employed individuals who work at least 16 hours per week – The additional criteria must include:

• Aged 16 or over and responsible for at least one child; Or
• Aged 16 or over and disabled: Or
• Aged 25 or over and work for at least 30 hours per week.

Income Support

Income support is another income supplement designed to help individuals 16 or over whose income is below a certain level and who are working less than 16 hours per week. Income support is a tax free benefit and can also be claimed by people with no income whatsoever.

Income support is a means tested benefit based on current income and savings. The rules are very complex and only a brief summary can be outlined here:

• If both the claimant and the partner are aged under 60 years old, Income support will be reduced if savings exceed 3,000 and the claimant will be ineligible if savings exceed 8,000.
• If either the claimant or their partner is aged over 60, Income support will be reduced if savings exceed 6,000 and the claimant will be ineligible if savings exceed 12,000.
• If either the claimant or their partner lives in residential care, Income support will be reduced if savings exceed 10,000 and the claimant will be ineligible if savings exceed 16,000.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Jobseeker’s allowance is a benefit made exclusively available to those individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking work. There are in fact two forms of jobseeker’s allowance – contribution based and income based. These two terms are defined as to whether or not there have been sufficient Class 1 National Insurance Contributions.

Claimants of jobseeker’s allowance must satisfy a strict set of criteria in order to qualify for the benefit including:

• Aged 18 or over (in most cases) and below pension age.
• Not present in full time education.
• Out of work or working less than 16 hours per week.
• There must be an active commitment both in seeking and being available for work, usually no less than 40 hours per week.

Child Benefit

Child benefit is not means tested and is not dependent on having made National Insurance Contributions. It is a tax free benefit made available to parents and guardians responsible for bringing up a child.

Child benefit is available to parents for each child under the age of 16 years – This may also continue up to 18 where the child is in full time education. A higher rate is paid in respect of the eldest child and a lower rate in respect of each other child.

Child Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit brings together elements of many other benefits. Primarily the purpose was to assist low income families although it can also be made available for individuals earning up to 50,000. Parents do not in fact have to be in work in order to claim Child Tax Credit. Payment is made in relation to each child until 1^st September following his or her 16^th birthday or up to the 18^th birthday if the child is:

• In full time education.
• Not claiming Income support or any other tax credit.
• Not serving a custodial sentence of four months or more.

Incapacity Benefit

Incapacity benefit may be claimed by those individuals who are ineligible for Statutory Sick Pay due to their self employment status or because the Statutory Sick Pay period has expired. It is designed as a benefit for those individuals who are unable to work due to sickness or disability.

The right for individuals to receive Incapacity benefit is dependent on them having paid sufficient Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance Contributions.

Incapacity benefit has three different levels of benefit which are:

• Short term lower rate – payable for up to 28 weeks to people who cannot get Statutory Sick Pay.
• Short term higher rate – payable from 29 weeks to 52 weeks.
• Long term rate – This is the highest rate which is payable to people who are sick after a year.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance can only be received by those individuals whose disability claim began before age 65 – Once granted, this can continue beyond the age of 65. To be eligible, a person must have needed help for a qualifying period of three months and must be expected to need help for a further six months.

There are two main parts to Disability Living Allowance – Claimants may receive either or both together:

• Care component
• Mobility component.

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