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There is still a stigma to claiming benefits in the UK – despite the government's best efforts to rebrand them with less fearsome titles such as 'tax credits', writes Teena Lyons

Plus, of course, the social security system is a nightmare of complexity. However, the government has admitted there is up to £8bn of state benefits which go unclaimed by those that are entitled to it. So how can you quickly and simply find out what you are owed?

Step one: Take the five minute benefit test. Let someone else do the work for you and try out www.entitled.co.uk

By simply imputing basic details about your own financial situation such as council tax, savings and any other income, it calculates what, if any, benefits you are entitled to within seconds. Don’t forget: benefit rules do change, so make a date for an annual check-up.

Step two: Get informed. There are some specific entitlements which are not included on the above website, so if you are not sure get advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau. Benefits that may be applicable include: Bereavement Allowance, a weekly benefit of up to £85 per week for up to a year after the death of a spouse who paid NI contributions (to be eligible you need to be over 45 when they died, but not yet the state pension age) and Incapacity Benefit if you are sick, disabled and unable to work.

Step three: Act fast. Benefits generally start from the day you apply, so make contact as soon as you feel there may be an entitlement. Social security benefits such as Bereavement Allowance, Incapacity Allowance and Income Support can be claimed at a Jobcentre Plus (0800 882200).

HM Revenue & Customs (0845 300 3900) deals with tax credits and your local council should be contacted for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit. For pensioners there is one phone number at the Department of Work & Pensions (0800 99 1234) to check on entitlement to three key benefits – pension credits, housing and council tax benefit. Customers may be entitled to a rebate on what they have already paid because their claim can be backdated for up to 12 months.

Step four: Don't miss out. Too many benefits go unclaimed. For example, council tax in England has risen by nearly five per cent this year, yet around £1.4bn in council tax benefit is failing to reach pensioners, despite the fact nearly 50 per cent are entitled to claim.

* Teena Lyons is the former consumer editor of the Sunday Mirror. Teena's views represent her own opinions and are for general information only. Always seek independent financial advice.

This article was created: 30 May 2007.
This article was last edited: 8 June 2007.

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