Working age
The Department is responsible for a range of benefits and services for people of working age, providing financial help and support. From the list below, pick an area that relates to you and check if you are able to get any of the benefits and services. If you cannot find the information you need, please check the A-Z benefits list or use the search facility.
Important information for same-sex couples or civil partners claiming benefit.
Benefits adviser
Answer questions to find out information on benefits and tax credits that you may be entitled to.
- Benefits adviser Do it online (this link will take you to the Directgov website)
People of working age
- Looking for work
- Starting work or returning to work
- Self-employed or starting your own business
- In work
- Voluntary work
- Managing on a low income
- Visiting or living abroad
- Bereavement – What to do when someone dies (this link will take you to the Directgov website)
- Bereavement Allowance (replaces Widow's Pension) (this link will take you to the Jobcentre Plus website)
- Bereavement Payment (formerly Widow's Payment) (this link will take you to the Jobcentre Plus website)
- Widowed Parent's Allowance (formerly Widowed Mother's Allowance) (this link will take you to the Jobcentre Plus website)
- Applying for a National Insurance (NI) number
- Long-term ill or disabled
- Sick and unable to work
- In hospital
- Care homes (this link will take you to the Directgov website)
- Illness or accidents caused by work
- Caring for others
- Early retirement
- Welfare reform
- Pension reform
- Pensions
- Inheritance of SERPS: Important information for married people (this link will take you to the Pension Service website)
- Winter Fuel Payments (this link will take you to the Pension Service website)
DWP benefits and services
DWP benefits and services are administered and delivered by its businesses.
Jobcentre Plus provides an integrated service to people of working age. (This link will take you to the Jobcentre Plus website)
The Pension Service is a dedicated service for current and future pensioners. (This link will take you to The Pension Service website)
Child Support Agency is responsible for running the child support system. (This link will take you to The Child Support Agency website)
Disability and Carers Service supports disabled people and their carers, whether or not they work.
Useful links
Jobs and training
For more information about Jobs, training and benefits go to the:
National Insurance contributions
For National Insurance contributions and general information about National Insurance go to the HM Revenue & Customs website.
Planned changes for pensions
The Government aims to increase protection for your company pension and widen your choices about when you retire. Find out more about the Government's pension reform plans.
Age Positive
The Government is working to change attitudes towards age. The Age Positive website contains guidance to encourage employers to end age discrimination in the workplace and to give people more choice and flexibility. Go to the Age Positive website