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Normally when any conversation turns to the subject of State benefits, it invariably focuses on so-called "social security scroungers".

Yes, there are cases of fraudulent claims for benefits, and these are the stories that take the headlines. But they are far outweighed by those people not claiming benefits that are rightly theirs.

The problem with benefits is that in most cases if you don't ask, you won't get, which means there are millions of pounds' worth of benefit payments going unclaimed each year.

How do you know if you are entitled to any benefits?

You may well find you are entitled to benefits of one kind or another, whether Child Benefit or Incapacity Benefit, but whether you qualify for them of course is down to your circumstances at any given time.

Everyone should do an annual check to discover what they are entitled to. Benefits such as Child Tax Credit can be claimed by those families with lower incomes - the website www.direct.gov.uk gives the lowdown on just who qualifies and how to make a claim. One thing always to remember about benefits is that the sooner you claim the better. Not all benefits can be backdated so if you don't move quickly you could be out of pocket.

Other considerations for parents who are looking to make life easier for themselves are Childcare Vouchers. Parents (if employed and paying PAYE) can save Income Tax and National Insurance on registered or approved childcare. Any employer can offer its employees childcare vouchers and parents can save up to £2,390 per year by taking up the option.

But working out what you are entitled to is a minefield isn't it?

It doesn't have to be complicated, especially if you make use of the web, with sites like Entitledto.co.uk proving a real help.

This calculator works out what you are entitled to based on the input you provide on income, family status, savings, and Council Tax bill. It should give you a reasonable idea of what benefits you could receive.

The calculator includes all the main benefits: Working Tax Credit; Council Tax and Housing Benefit; Pension Credit; Child Benefit; Child Trust Fund and Child Tax Credit. If the calculator indicates that you should be entitled to council tax help or housing benefit, you should immediately contact your local council and make a claim. For the other benefits www.direct.gov.uk will point you to the appropriate department to make a claim.

Benefits that go unnoticed

Of course there other benefits outside these - such as Bereavement and Guardian Payments, Carers' Allowance and a string of other benefits for those needing ongoing medical treatment (anything from strokes to kidney dialysis).

While all the details for these benefits are available on the www.direct.gov.uk website, it might prove a wise move to get some friendly advice from the Citizens' Advice Bureau. They may help to navigate a safe path through government jargon.

It may also prove beneficial to look for additional help outside of that provided by the State, such as the British Kidney Foundation or a host of cancer charities. These organisations may not always be in a position to offer direct financial help, but they can help make life a bit easier and save you money on things like breaks away.

What do you do when you can't work?

Illness and disability are unfortunately facts of life, and we are all likely at some point to spend time off work for one reason or another. For those who are forced into long-term absence from work, Incapacity Benefit can be claimed. The payment is by no means generous (£61.35), the philosophy being that if the payment was too high it would encourage people to claim and not to return to work. You can claim it if you are no longer receiving statutory sick pay, and if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions.

For those unable to work because of a illness or disability, the onus may be on retraining to a profession that they can manage without discomfort.

Retraining Courses

Whatever your reason for wanting to retrain, there is financial help available. A Career Development Loan (CDL) can help to pay for up to two years of vocational (work-related) learning. With CDLs, the money is paid back over time, but there are other funds available where there is no need for reimbursement.

For instance, you could be eligible for an Adult Learning Grant of up to £30 a week to help cover the costs of learning.

Some charities and trusts also award funds, and their eligibility rules vary. The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) provides information and advice on sources of funding through its website www.egas-online.org.uk.