There is no simple answer to this question. Some benefits, such as Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance do not depend on savings and income at all. Others, such as Incapacity Benefit, are sometimes affected by some types of income. The 'means-tested benefits' depend on your income, savings and personal circumstances such as whether you or your partner count as a 'carer' or are treated as 'severely disabled'. The presence of other people in your house may also affect entitlement to benefits. The rules are also different for people living permanently in care homes.

The means-tested benefits are the Pension Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and the 'NHS Low Income Scheme'. If you, and your partner if you have one, have savings over £16,000, you will not be able to claim help under the 'NHS Low Income Scheme'. If you have savings over £16,000 and do not receive the guarantee credit element of the Pension Credit you will not be able to claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. If you have savings below these limits you may qualify for some help. The amounts are higher if you live permanently in a care home. Pension Credit does not have a maximum figure for savings.

If you think you may qualify for the Minimum Income Guarantee you can get a claim form from the helpline on 0800 99 1234 (0800 169 0133 if you use a textphone) or download one from The Pension Service website.