* Statutory sick pay ? this benefit is paid to people who



are

in employment but are unable to work due to illness. It's currently

paid at ?70.05 per week for up to 28 weeks of illness, and can be

claimed after four or more consecutive days of being sick. (If you're

still unwell after 28 weeks, you can apply for incapacity benefit.) To

claim statutory sick pay, you'll need to inform your employer (either

by phone or in writing ? you don't have to speak to them in person)

within one week of falling ill. Some employers offer their own sick pay

schemes instead of statutory sick pay. Check your terms and conditions

of employment.

* Incapacity benefit ? if you have an illness or injury and

have been unable to work 28 weeks or more, and/or your statutory sick

pay period has ended, you may be eligible for incapacity benefit. The

rate increases the longer you receive this benefit, currently going up

to ?78.50 per week for long-term illness or injury (over 52 weeks

of

incapacity). When you apply, either online or at your local jobcentre

plus, you'll be asked to go for a personal capability assessment and

you may need a medical examination by a doctor. If you're deemed

eligible, you'll receive flat-rate weekly payments directly into your

bank account. You're not automatically barred from working while

claiming ? you may be allowed to work up to 16 hours a week or earn a

small income, depending on the nature of the job. If you do work,

though, you may be required to pay income tax.

* NHS costs ? most of the treatments provided on the NHS are

free, but there are some that you must pay towards. If you're on a low

income or unable to work, you may be able to apply for free treatment.

This includes dentistry, prescriptions, travel to and from hospital,

eye tests, vouchers for glasses and contact lenses, wigs and supports.

Again, you won't be eligible if you have more than ?16,000 in

savings.

* Community care grant ? this is a sum of money awarded to

people who need help to live independently in the community. You can

apply for it if you are receiving other benefits such as jobseeker's

allowance or incapacity benefit. It can help people who need financial

support after leaving care, or who need financial support so that

they don't have to move into care. In some circumstances, people who

have gone through a difficult period in their lives or have suffered a

family breakdown may be eligible, and it may also be granted to people

who care for someone else. If you have savings of over ?500 (or

over ?1,000 if you're over 60) you may not qualify for the full

amount. The grant will be paid into your bank account as a lump sum.

You won't be required to pay it back and it isn't considered as income,

so it won't affect any other benefits you receive or apply for. Apply for it at

your local jobcentre plus.