Care and support

Look at your income

Resolving debt problems should always begin with looking at ways of increasing your income.

Benefits and tax credits

Are you claiming the correct benefits and at the correct amount? Many people do not claim benefits to which they are entitled.

Remember there are different types of benefits. Some are based upon national insurance contributions, some are based on your income and capital, and others are based upon your personal care and mobility needs. It is always worth getting your benefits checked by an adviser to make sure the claim is correct, and that you are receiving everything to which you are entitled.

Some people miss out on benefits because they wrongly assume they cannot claim anything when they are working. Tax credits and some benefits can be paid even if you are working.

Help with benefits can be obtained from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or independent advice centre.

If you are repaying a social fund loan from your benefit and finding it difficult to manage on the benefit you are left with, you can ask jobcentre plus to reduce the rate of the deductions.

Tax codes

Always check that your tax code is correct for your circumstances – you can obtain further information from your local CAB or office of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The current rate of income tax allowances can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates