Start here: which benefits apply to you
The UK benefits system has dozens of separate payments. Most people only qualify for a handful, and which ones depend on age, employment status, household composition, disability and housing situation.
The quickest way to find out what you might claim is to use the calculator above. But the guide below explains the logic so you understand what you are looking for.
Working-age households on a low income: Universal Credit
If you are under State Pension age and your income is low, Universal Credit is usually the starting point. UC combines support for housing costs, children, childcare, health conditions and basic living costs into a single monthly payment.
You do not have to be unemployed to claim UC. Around half of all UC claimants are in work. If earnings are low enough, UC tops up what you earn.
Capital above £16,000 stops UC entitlement. Below that, the rules are more nuanced.
Families with children: Child Benefit
Child Benefit is available to most households with a child under 16 (or under 20 in full-time education or approved training). It is not means-tested. You can claim regardless of income or savings.
In 2026/27 it pays £27.05 per week for the first child and £17.90 for each additional child. The High Income Child Benefit Charge applies to any person in the household with adjusted net income above £60,000.
Claim Child Benefit even if you think you earn too much. The charge is tapered, and claiming protects National Insurance credits which count towards the State Pension.
Disabled adults: PIP and UC health elements
Personal Independence Payment is the main disability benefit for adults under pension age. It is not means-tested and is based on how your condition affects daily living and mobility, not on a diagnosis.
If you are awarded PIP and also claim UC, you may qualify for the LCWRA element (£429.80/month in 2026/27) following a Work Capability Assessment.
Attendance Allowance is the equivalent for people over pension age. It is also not means-tested and does not affect most other benefits.
Over State Pension age: Pension Credit
Pension Credit tops up income to a minimum of £227.10 per week for a single person or £346.60 for a couple in 2026/27. It is means-tested but many eligible pensioners do not claim it.
Receiving Pension Credit also unlocks free TV licences for the over-75s, maximum Council Tax Reduction in many areas, and help with NHS costs.
Capital rules for Pension Credit are more generous than UC. The first £10,000 of savings is fully disregarded and there is no hard upper capital limit.
Renters and housing: housing costs element and council tax reduction
If you rent privately and claim UC, the housing costs element covers rent up to the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area. Social housing tenants get rent covered at the eligible rent minus any bedroom deductions.
Council Tax Reduction is a separate scheme run by local authorities. It is not part of UC and needs a separate application. It can significantly reduce the council tax bill for low-income households.
Discretionary Housing Payments from your local council can sometimes bridge the gap between LHA and actual rent if there is a shortfall.
- Universal Credit: means-tested, working-age, up to £424.90/month standard allowance plus elements. Child Benefit: not means-tested, £27.05/week first child. PIP: not means-tested, £72.65–£114.60/week daily living, £28.70–£80.00/week mobility. Pension Credit: means-tested, pension-age, tops up to £227.10/week single. Carer's Allowance: £83.30/week, 35+ hours caring, not means-tested. Housing Benefit: pension-age only for new claims. Council Tax Reduction: local scheme, separate from UC. Free School Meals: household UC income below £7,400. Sure Start Maternity Grant: £500 one-off for first child in eligible households.