Plain-English guides on Universal Credit, PIP, Child Benefit and more. Current 2026/27 rates and rules, written for real households.
A plain-English guide to Universal Credit 2026/27. How the standard allowance, elements and taper work, with a worked example showing a family's monthly award from start to finish.
How the PIP assessment works in 2026/27, what assessors look for, how to complete the PIP2 form, and what happens at the assessment itself. Specific tips on evidencing your worst days.
DWP is moving all remaining tax credit claimants onto Universal Credit through managed migration. This guide explains what happens, how transitional protection works, and what you need to do when you receive your migration notice.
How savings affect Universal Credit in 2026/27. Under £6,000: no effect. Between £6,000 and £16,000: tariff income reduces UC. At £16,000: UC stops. Worked examples included.
Child Benefit pays £27.05 per week for the first child in 2026/27. The High Income Child Benefit Charge starts at £60,000 adjusted net income and reaches 100% at £80,000. This guide explains both and when opting out makes sense.
Pension Credit is not just a weekly cash top-up. It acts as a gateway to free TV licences, Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit, Cold Weather Payment, free dental treatment and more. Even a small Pension Credit award unlocks all of these.
The Benefit Cap limits total benefit income for most working-age households. Outside London the family cap is £1,835/month. Inside London it is £2,110/month. This guide covers who is exempt, how to check your position and what happens if you are capped.
The Universal Credit work allowance lets you earn a set amount before the 55% taper kicks in. In 2026/27 it is £427/month (with housing support) or £710/month (without). Only households with children or a health element qualify. Here is how it works.
If you disagree with a UC, PIP or ESA decision, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month. If that fails, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Most successful appeals result in a better award. This guide explains each step.
Carer's Allowance pays £83.30 per week in 2026/27 to carers spending at least 35 hours per week caring for a severely disabled person. Earnings must be below £151 per week. This guide explains eligibility, the carer element in UC, and the overlapping benefit rules.
About this blog: Articles use published GOV.UK rates and DWP rules for 2026/27. They are independent guides, not official DWP or HMRC publications. Use the calculators to estimate your specific position.