9 Welfare benefits
1. Introduction
There are many different benefits available, depending on your needs and your circumstances. But you may not know what you are entitled to, or how to apply for a benefit, or what to do if you think you have been unfairly turned down for a benefit. This leaflet explains how the benefits system works at the moment but more changes are planned later in 2008.
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There is information on:
4. If you are having a baby or adopting a child
5. If you have children to look after
7. If you are ill and can´t work
9. If you are just starting work
10. If you have retired or are about to retire
11. If your husband, wife or civil partner dies
13. What must I do when I claim?
14. What if I disagree with a decision about my claim?
15. What if I´ve been badly treated?
The leaflets in this series give you an outline of your legal rights. They are not a complete guide to the law and are not intended to be a guide to how the law will apply to you or to any specific situation. The leaflets are regularly updated but the law may have changed since this was printed, so information in it may be incorrect or out of date.
If you have a problem, you will need to get more information or personal advice to work out the best way to solve it. See ‘Further help’ for sources of information and advice.
This leaflet is published by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). It was written in association with Rachel Hadwen, a specialist in welfare rights.
Leaflet version: June 2008
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