State Benefits & Tax Credits

If you are about to become unemployed or have been advised to apply for Jobseekers Allowance, Tel: 0800 055 66 88 (8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday) or click here for more information and an online claim form.

If you are not well enough to work and/or are coming to the end of Statutory Sick Pay, and have a Fit Note from your doctor, then to claim Employment & Support Allowance Tel: 0800 055 66 88 (8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday) or click here for more information and an online claim form.  Use that same link for information about changes to ESA including sanctions and time limits. There's also information our website about the medical assessment process

The gov.uk (formerly direct.gov.uk) website provides a range of information about benefits and financial support. You may also need to access The Government Gateway to make a claim - the Government Gateway is the website you use to register for online government services. It is an important part of the government's strategy of delivering 'joined up' government, enabling people to communicate and make transactions with government from a single point of entry. 

Making Work Pay - Workways, Devon County Council and Jobcentre Plus are offering a free benefits check service for people aged over 18 with a mental health condition. The service is provided by an advisor from the Devon Welfare Rights Unit (DWRU) and includes a detailed review of benefit entitlement to ensure that people are receiving all they are entitled to and also consider the impact taking up paid work will have on their income. It's available to people living in Exeter, East and Mid Devon. For more details contact Matt Kemp at DWRU on 01392 223831 or dwru@citizensadvice.org.uk or contact us. 

If you are working more than 16 hours per week, you may be entitled to Working Tax Credit