Claiming benefits
Every year, more than £10 billion in benefits and tax credits goes unclaimed. The benefits system can be complicated, but it is important that you receive all the benefits that you are entitled to. For more information please use the sources of information and advice listed below to help you.
Online benefit calculator
You can use the Council's online calculator to check your benefit entitlement. It will ask you to fill in details of your income and other information, such as whether or not you are disabled or have children.
But you do not have to fill in your name or any personal details and your calculation will be anonymous and confidential.
Housing and council tax benefits
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are provided by the Council.
For more information see .
Grants for heating and home insulation
If you receive certain benefits you may be eligible for a Warm Front grant. Find out if you qualify. For more information visit the Warm Front Website
Middlesbrough Council's Welfare Rights Unit
The Welfare Rights Unit provides specialised, independent and confidential advice and representation on benefits and tax credits and targets welfare benefits take-up campaigns.
Phone 01642 729242
E-mail welfarerights@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Carers' Benefits Information
If you spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone you may be able to get a social security benefit as a full-time carer. You do not have to be living with the person you are caring for. For more information please see our 
Carer's Benefit Information Booklet [156kb] or visit the Gov.uk section on Carers and disability benefits.