Family credit—A weekly tax-free social security benefit for working people bringing up at least one child (aged under 16 years or under 19 years when in full time education). The amount of benefit depends on the number and age of children and weekly net earnings.

Income support—Paid to people aged over 16 years who are on low incomes and who work less than 16 hours a week. Generally paid to people who are not required to be available for work such as pensioners, lone parents, and the sick and disabled.

Jobseekers allowance—A replacement for unemployment benefit and income support for unemployed people. Payable to people aged from 16 years to pensionable age who are available for work.

Attendance allowance—A benefit for people aged over 65 years who are severely disabled and need help with personal care. Special rules also allow people who are terminally ill to claim.

Disability living allowance—A benefit for people who become disabled before the age of 65 years and who need help with personal care or getting around. To qualify, claimants must have needed help for at least three months and expect to need help for a further six months.

Incapacity benefit— Replaced sickness benefit and invalidity benefit. A contributory scheme paid to people aged between 16 years and pensionable age who are assessed as being incapable of work. Payable after the 28 weeks covered by statutory sick pay.

Severe disablement allowance—A non-contributory benefit for people who are incapable of work and who do not satisfy the conditions for incapacity benefit. Claimants must be incapable of work for at least 28 weeks, and the first claim must be made while younger than 65 (although subsequent payments may extend beyond that).