PEOPLE in Chester-le-Street can use an online calculator to determine what benefits they are due.

By answering a few questions on the council's website, people undertake a self-assessment to see whether they qualify before making a formal application to the council.

The calculator is for people who live in, or want to live in, the Chester-le-Street district.

Residents renting their home, or planning to rent, can find out how much they should pay, and how much housing benefit and council tax benefit they can get.

Owner-occupiers can use it to work out their entitlement to council tax benefit. The calculator will also tell if they should claim income support or tax credits.

For information, visit www.chester-le-street.gov.uk.