Unemployment benefits - Claim the benefits you are entitled to

The trauma of losing your job is bad enough without the stress of trying to establish where and what help you might be entitled to. We have included links at the end of this article to other resources that could be of help. The Times article is a useful starter and gives a heads up on the most important benefits.

• Job Seekers Allowance
• The New Deal programme
• Income Support
• Council Tax Benefit
• Tax Credits
• Disability Living Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Housing Benefit

This is by no means an exhaustive list.

If you are or were a union member or are ex forces then your Union of the British legion, SAFA and others are often a great resource for information and guidance. The CAB (Citizen Advice Bureau does a great job in explain the rules and what is possible and what your entitlements should be.

Do NOT be ashamed or afraid of asking for their help and advice,  it is what they do. The issues are complex and reflects more on the systems complications (that it requires a host of third party experts and volunteers to explain it) than it does on your skills an ability.

Make sure you know who you are talking too.

A word of warning if you do a Google on CAB for example you will see lots of site talking about Citizens Debt Advice or Citizens Advice etc  as far as we are aware these may be legitimate businesses but they are NOT the Citizens advice Bureau they are using the term Citizens Advice to attract customers to what is a commercial service.  Make sure you know who you are talking to!

The British Legion are one of the great unsung hero organisations in the UK doing sterling work among ex forces and their families.  They and the other organisations that help navy and Air force personnel with everything from benefit entitlements to organising home care for elderly widows whose husbands once served.  All of these organisations are always looking for volunteers so if you have some time to help and want to do something worthwhile there is nothing better!