Benefits and Tax Credits

Who deals with the main benefits and tax credits?

• Benefits and pensions are dealt with by the Department for Work and Pensions, through Jobcentre Plus, the Pensions Service and the Disability and Carers Service
• Housing benefit, council tax and council tax benefit are dealt with by local unitary or district and borough councils
• Child benefits and tax credits and dealt with by HM Revenue and Customs

How can I contact local and national offices?

• For benefits and pensions helplines and offices, including local JobCentre Plus offices, see Department for Work and Pensions > Contact Us
• For housing benefit, council tax and council tax benefit in Bedfordshire, see Bedford Borough Council - Advice and Benefits or the Money and Benefits section of Central Bedfordshire Council's web site
• For child benefits and tax credits helplines, see HM Revenue and Customs helplines

What am I entitled to?

• You can find official information at the Money, tax and benefits section of the Directgov 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 WebLinks
• 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 Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire library you can also consult the annual guide to benefits and services for people with disabilities, the Disability rights handbook
• You can find further official information at the Department for Work and Pensions web site

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

Library contact details and opening times