If you are self-employed, and have to stop working due to illness, you are entitled to Incapacity Benefit as long as you have been paying the correct National Insurance contributions.

There are specific rules for calculating the income of self-employed people, and entitlement to certain benefits differs from that of an employee, especially in the case of Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support.

Depending on your particular circumstances, the benefits you may be eligible to claim include Housing/Council Tax Benefit, Working/Child Tax Credits, NHS Benefits, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance.

The Department for Work and Pensions can give you information about benefits you may be entitled to claim.

It is advisable to discuss your situation with a benefits adviser at a Citizens Advice Bureau or Law Centre to find out about your entitlements. If you have a dispute over a benefit claim a specialist welfare rights solicitor can advise you – the Legal Services Commission can give you details of specialist solicitors.

Remember that a change in your circumstances (for example, a reduction or increase in your income or in the number of hours you work) can change your entitlement to benefit. So, it is necessary for you to find out in detail the regulations and conditions that apply to your benefits.