•Applicable amounts are used in some means-tested benefits to help calculate the amount of benefit to which you are entitled.

•Applicable amounts apply in income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) and housing benefit (HB). There are additional amounts in the guarantee credit of pension credit for people who are severely disabled, carers or people who have a child, which are similar to applicable amounts.

•Applicable amounts differ according to the benefit you are claiming. They are made up of personal allowances, premiums, housing costs and, in some cases, components. You may have one or more of these included.

•In some cases, if you were on a benefit for incapacity for work and have been transferred to ESA, your applicable amount for income-related ESA and HB may also include a transitional addition.