Social Security Benefits
Fathers and Social Security Benefits
Most people know something about Social Security Benefits however it is often difficult to know what you are entitled to or even what to claim. It must be remembered that when you claim a Social Security Benefit it can have an effect on the family unit. It is always advisable to seek information and advice about what benefits you may be eligible to apply for, especially since things change so frequently.
The Social Security Agency produces a free booklet which provides information for people applying for welfare benefits. You can get a copy at your local Social Security office. You should note that the general age for applying for benefits is 18 years although in exceptional circumstances if you are aged 16 or 17 years and you are a lone parent or you have a disability you can make a claim.
How do you claim benefit?
In order to claim benefits you will have to fill out a form for each benefit you want to apply for. These forms can be quite long and complicated to fill out. It is important you fill them in properly. If you dont, you may loose money or you may have to wait for a longer time to get your money. Your local Social Security Office can help you to fill in forms however you can also contact Sue Stevenson Barnardos Advice and Information Bureau or the Citizens Advice Bureau who will also provide you with assistance.
For Social Security Purposes, a child or qualifying young person is usually defined as:
- a child is a person under the age of 16.
- a qualifying young person is a person under the age of 19 who is not a child and is in full time non-advanced education.
If you are a lone parent who is responsible for a child or qualifying young person and you make a new claim for Income Support you will also be treated as applying for child support maintenance from the non-resident parent, unless s/he opts out. To opt out of disclosing the non-resident parents details you have to show good cause such as, the belief that you or your family would be at risk or harm or disclosing the details would cause undue stress to yourself or your family.
Summary of Benefits
If you are unemployed you may be eligible to claim:
- Job-seekers allowance (JSA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Housing Benefit (HB)
- Rates Rebate
- Concessions for travel and use of sports facilities
- Social Fund
Looking for work:
- Discretionary help under the New Deal, e.g. help with training costs
- Help with travel to interview costs and possible overnight expenses.
- Budgeting Loan for expenses involved in seeking work e.g. interview clothes.
If you are starting work:
- Budgeting Loan for work clothes/travel costs
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Extended payments for Housing Benefit
- Mortgage interest run on.
If you are sick or disabled:
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Statutory Sick Pay
- Industrial Injuries disablement benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Housing Benefit (disability premiums)
- Income support (disability (premiums)
- Cold weather payments
- Help with NHS costs/travel
- Blue Badge Scheme
- Disabled Facilities Grant
Prescriptions and Dental. You may also be eligible to receive help with NHS costs if you are in receipt of benefits or have a low income.
It is advisable to have a Benefits Check carried out to make sure you are receiving all that you are entitled to. To have a Benefits Check carried out contact:
The Citizen Advice Bureaux
Regional Headquarters,
11 Upper Crescent Belfast
028 9023 1120
Also you can make an appointment with your local Social Security office which will have its contact details listed in the telephone directory.