I just bought an ipad mini and i want to iwork but apple store wants me to pay and i thought they are free for every new ipad?

1. Did you purchase/activate iPad after 1st September 2013?

2. Did you use the Apple ID you use to Activate the iPad to download apps?

3. Did you sign out, reboot and sign in again?

4. Is it registered in My Support Profile?

https://supportprofile.apple.com/

How to get all the iWork apps, iPhoto, and iMovie for free on an eligible iPhone or iPad

http://www.imore.com/how-get-all-iwork-apps-iphoto-and-imovie-free-eligible-ipho ne-or-ipad

About Free Apple Apps for iOS 7 compatible devices

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5913

 Cheers, Tom 😉