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Who pays benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) manages most benefits through Jobcentre Plus offices. Benefits and entitlements for pensioners are dealt with through a network of pension centres which provide a face-to-face service for those who need additional help and support. You'll also often deal with other agencies or government departments, such as your local council or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

DWP Customer Charter

DWP aims to provide a high quality and efficient service to its customers. The DWP Customer Charter sets out the standards customers can expect and what their responsibilities are in return.

• DWP Customer Charter Opens new window

People of working age

Benefits and services for people of working age, for example Jobseeker's Allowance, are managed by Jobcentre Plus offices around the country.

Jobcentre Plus will help you with:

• 'Employed or looking for work' benefits information

• 'On a low income' benefits information

• 'Ill or injured' benefits information

• Contact Jobcentre Plus

Pensioners and people planning for their retirement

The Pension Service, which is part of the DWP, provides services to:

The Pension Service looks after benefits and entitlements such as the State Pension, Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments.

• Learn more about The Pension Service (pensions and retirement planning section)

• 'In retirement' benefits information

Families and children

Jobcentre Plus looks after benefits and services for families, including those:

• 'Expecting or bringing up children' benefits information

• Contact Jobcentre Plus

The Child Support Agency (CSA) is part of the DWP and is responsible for running the child support system. It assesses, collects and pays child maintenance.

• Child maintenance (parents section)

• Contact the CSA Opens new window

HM Revenue & Customs deals with Child Benefit, Guardian's Allowance and tax credits.

• 'Expecting or bringing up children' benefits information

• How to contact HM Revenue and Customs

Disabled people and carers

The Disability and Carers Service, which is part of the DWP, is responsible for benefits and services for people who are sick or have a disability, for example, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

• Financial support (disabled people section)

• Money matters (caring for someone section)

• 'Disabled people' benefits information

Your local Jobcentre Plus office is your first point of contact for finding out more about these benefits and services.

• Contact Jobcentre Plus

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

Your local council looks after Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

• Find your local council

Who can claim benefits

To qualify for a particular benefit you must meet the conditions that the government specifies. For example, to claim Child Benefit you must be responsible for bringing up a child.

To apply for a benefit you'll normally have to fill in an application form and provide supporting information.

• How to find out if you qualify for benefits

How benefits are paid

Direct Payment is the normal way benefits are paid. It is a safe, convenient and efficient method of payment that gives customers access to a wide range of financial services.

• How benefits and State Pensions are paid

Benefit Integrity Centres (BIC)

DWP uses Benefit Integrity Centres to make sure you've been paid the right amount of money. You may be contacted by a BIC if you're claiming any of the following benefits:

• Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance

• More about Benefit Integrity Centres

Where to get advice

Jobcentre Plus

If you're of working age, Jobcentre Plus offers advice on the various benefits you can claim.

• Contact Jobcentre Plus

The Pension Service

If you're a pensioner or planning for retirement, contact The Pension Service for information on pensions and related benefits.

• Who to contact at The Pension Service

The Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB)

For free, independent benefits advice, contact your local CAB.

• More about getting advice from the CAB Opens new window