In a previous Money Dashboard blog, we wrote about Unemployment Benefits and your entitlement. But there are benefits you may still be entitled to, even if you are in work. Whether you are self-employed or work for someone else, there are different benefits for people in different positions.

First you need to work out how many hours you work in a week. If you have more than one job, add all the hours together. If the number of weekly hours varies, then work out the average hours per week.

16 Hours a week or less

If you work less than 16 hours a week, you may be able to claim Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance. But if you have a live-in partner that works 24 hours a week or more, then you aren't eligible. Instead you should look into Working Tax Credit for your partner, as described below. Other types of benefit you should look into if you are working 16 hours or less are Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

More than 16 hours a week

If your work totals more than 16 hours a week, then your best bet is to look into Working Tax Credit, a money-saving scheme that reduces the amount of tax you have to pay. You must be living in the UK to claim; if you are not a full UK citizen, you might not be eligible.

Here are four categories of people who may be entitled:

1.      If you are over 16, are responsible for a child but have a low income, then you could be eligible to apply for Working Tax Credit. A child is defined as a person under 16, or under 20 and still in full-time education up to A level or equivalent. If you have a child or children, you should also look into Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit.

2.      If you are disabled with a low income, and already qualify for a disability benefit (such as Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance), you may be able to get Working Tax benefit as well. This works on the basis that your disability makes it more difficult to find a high paying job. Additionally, some disability benefits stop when you find work, this benefit may work as a replacement.

3.      If you are over 50 and have started your work within the last three months you may be eligible to apply for Working Tax Benefit. If you were on a benefit before you started working, such as Income Support, Incapacity benefit or state Retirement Pension paid with Pension, or even National Insurance credits then you may have had to come off this benefit to start work. In this case, Working Tax Benefit acts as a replacement.

4.      If you are 25 or over, and work 30 hours or more on a low income, you are eligible to apply, regardless of marital status and children

The "low income" aspect is assessed on a yearly basis. Your eligibility, and how much you are entitled to, depends on factors like your income and circumstances. Some income, like Statutory Maternity pay and child support, will not affect your eligibility. The amount of credit you will receive if you qualify varies as well, but the basic element is £1,890 per year.

The Citizens' Advice Bureau can help if you're not sure whether you are entitled. If you are ready to apply for Working Tax Credit, you need to contact the tax credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 (textphone 0845 300 3909) for an application pack and a TC600 form.