Hi! Generally, in compensation lingo, the term "benefits" include allowances. And, "allowances" can refer to both "cash and non-cash".
Benefits would generally include all other things included in a "compensation package", which generally mean: the basic salary, plus allowances, and other mandated or voluntary benefits & perks (housing, transportation, car, gas, health & life insurance, etc.).
The cash allowances are those that are included in the so-called "gross salary" (vs the term "basic salary").
Hope this helps.
Best regards.
Ed Llarena, Jr.