Benefits can either be means-tested or non-means-tested. Here is what these mean:
Means-tested Benefits
An assessment of your means (income and capital) determine your entitlement to these. If your income or capital is over a set threshold, you will not qualify, even if you meet all of the other requirements.
Therefore, income and capital must be sufficiently low to qualify for a means-tested benefit.
Non-Means-Tested Benefits
These do not involve a detailed assessment of means. You will qualify if you meet the eligibility criteria (such as being disabled or widowed) regardless of your income or capital.
Non-means tested benefits are further divided into contributory and non-contributory benefits.
- Contributory
For contributory benefits, as well as meeting the eligibility criteria, you must have paid sufficient National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to qualify. These are called the ‘contribution conditions’.
- Non-Contributory
You can qualify for non-contributory benefits as long as you meet the eligibility criteria regardless of the NICs you have made. Therefore, you do not have to satisfy contribution conditions to qualify.
Passported Benefits
Some benefits (including tax credits) act as a passport to other benefits. Therefore it is worthwhile claiming these benefits to become entitled to other benefits even if you do not receive any money from the original claim.
This can include such things as sight tests, dental treatment and hospital fares.
Benefits Advice
If you need advice on benefits you can find an adviser near you or contact our freephone helpline on 0800 915 4604. We can only provide advice to people living in Northern Ireland.