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Benefits and tax credits: overview
The following chart summarises the benefits and tax credits you may be able to claim depending on your circumstances. In each case, there are other tests you must pass to be entitled. The page number in the last column takes you to the relevant chapter, where you will find more details about the rules of entitlement. Part 3 explains which benefits are affected by any grant or loan you get. Terms such as ‘full time’, ‘part time’ and ‘student’ are explained in each benefit chapter. Note: new claims cannot usually be made for income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, housing benefit and tax credits.
 
Your circumstances
Page
Aged 16–18 (and some 19 year olds) in full-time further education
 
Have a child
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aged 16–20 (and some 21 year olds) in full-time further education
 
 
Orphan, estranged or separated from parents
Living away from parents
Full-time student
 
Single
Lone parent of child under five
 
Student couple with a child, or lone parent
 
Long vacation
 
 
Jobseeker’s allowance
Income support (if eligible)
Housing benefit
 
Child tax credit
Child benefit
Universal credit
Couple, one student
Part-time student
 
 
Working
 
Under 16 hours
Part-time student
 
Income support
Jobseeker’s allowance
Income support (if eligible)
 
At least 16 hours a week (24 for most couples) and have a child
At least 16 hours a week and have a disability
At least 30 hours a week and aged 25 or over
 
At least 16 hours a week and aged 60 or over
 
Any number of hours
Sick or disabled
 
 
Recovered and waiting to return to studies
 
Having a baby
 
Under 18
 
Getting certain benefits/tax credits
 
Working or recently working
When the child is born
Studying part time
 
Partner having a baby
 
Adopting a child
 
Caring for someone sick or disabled
 
Studying part time
 
 
Waiting to return to studies after taking time out to care
 
 
 
 
Need dental treatment or glasses
Reached pension age