When you are dealing with benefits, you may come across lots of new words and not know what they mean.
Some of these words are explained here. If you need more information or support, you can call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00.
Benefits
Payments from the government to people who need financial help.
Benefit cap
A limit on the total amount of money you can get from a benefit.
Blue Badge
A badge that allows people with mobility problems to park nearer to where they need to go.
Grant
A payment from the government or a charity to help with extra costs such as clothing or heating bills.
Income
All the money you have coming in, for example your wages, benefits or a grant.
Ill-health early retirement
This is where you are allowed to retire and claim your pension early because of your health. If you have, or have had, cancer this may apply to you.
Lump sum
A single, one-off payment, for example from your pension or an insurance scheme.
Mandatory reconsideration
A way to challenge a benefits decision if you disagree with the outcome. This is usually a first step before you can appeal a benefits decision.
Means-tested benefit
A benefit where the amount of money you get depends on your income or savings.
National Insurance
A payment you have to make while working. If you cannot work, you may be able to get National Insurance credits.
Reasonable adjustments
If you are ill, these are changes to your job or workplace that allow you to continue working or return to work.
Special rules
Rules that allow people to get certain benefits more quickly if they are terminally ill.
State Pension
A regular payment you get from the government when you reach a certain age.
Tribunal
A place where benefits appeals are heard and decided.
Workplace pension
A pension arranged through your employer.
