Benefits and Tax Credits

Who deals with the main benefits and tax credits?

• Social security is dealt with by Job Centre Plus
• Housing benefit, council tax and council tax benefit are dealt with by local district and borough councils
• Child benefits and tax credits and dealt with by HM Revenue and Customs

Where can I find contact details for local and national offices?

• For national offices and telephone helplines relating to benefits, tax credits and other services - see the list at Department for Work and Pensions > Contact A-Z
• For child benefits and tax credits helplines - see HM Revenue and Customs helplines
• Bedfordshire contacts are given in You and Your Community. For social security, see local Job Centre Plus offices; for housing benefit, council tax and council tax benefit, see the district and borough councils; for local tax offices, covering child benefits and tax credits, see HM Revenue and Customs local offices

What am I entitled to?

• You can find official information at the Money, tax and benefits section of the Directgov web site
• You can find further official information at the Department for Work and Pensions web site
• See the 'Your money' section of the Citizens Advice Adviceguide site for helpful explanations about help to which you may be entitled
• You can work out your entitlement yourself using online calculators at Entitled To
• For more web sites, see Money matters > Benefits and tax credits on the Gateway to the Internet
• You can consult the annual book Welfare benefits and tax credits handbook at any Bedfordshire library. This comprehensive guide is 'fully indexed and cross-referenced to law, regulations and official guidance, and also to court and commissioners' decisions. Information is fully cross-referenced between the social security and tax systems'
• At any Bedfordshire library you can also consult the annual guide to benefits and services for people with disabilities, the Disability rights handbook

Can I claim any benefits or tax credits online?

• You can claim for some benefits and tax credits online at Do it online > Money, tax and benefits on the Directgov web site

See more on Money matters

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