Not all benefits are means tested

Some benefits help you with the extra care needs you have because you’re disabled or have a long-term or terminal health condition.

These benefits are not means tested. In other words they are not affected by your income and savings. They include:

• Personal Independence Payment
• Disability Living Allowance
• Attendance Allowance

Benefits that are means-tested are those that are designed to:

• replace earnings – for example Employment and Support Allowance
• top up your income – for example tax credits
• help you with essential costs – for example Housing Benefit

Are Women More Generous Than Men?

When it comes to giving to charity, women are in the driver's seat.

A recent survey conducted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAC) found that women are more generous than men when it comes to charitable giving, especially with respect to decisions about volunteer activities and smaller financial donations.

Large financial donations are often made jointly.

Reuters asked Lorna Sabbia, managing director and head of retirement and personal wealth solutions at Merrill Lynch, for insights into giving and issues surrounding philanthropy among families and women.