Our 101 on Claiming Benefits in the UK

Claiming benefits can be confusing, and we don’t always know what we’re entitled to. But if you’re struggling financially then you could be missing out on benefits that the UK Government offers.

Here’s our handy guide to claiming benefits.

Since 2020, benefits have changed, and you’ve probably heard of Universal Credit. What you might not realise is that Universal Credit is made up of 6 components that you might have heard of before.

Don’t want to read through all the dry information? Skip to the end of this article to find a benefits calculator or contact us for benefits and financial support.

Here are the 6 parts and what they’ll check before making a benefit decision:

Universal Credit

Between 16 and state pension age
Working less than 16 hours per week
Not in full-time study
Don’t get JSA or ESA
Don’t have savings above £16,000

Income support is usually for people who are:

A single parent with a young child
On parental or paternity leave
A carer
A refugee learning English who arrived less than a year ago

Either unemployed or working less than 16 hours
Under state pension age
Available and actively looking for work

You must be receiving Working Tax Credit
You can only claim for children you are responsible for

Find more information about Child Tax Credits here

Must have British Citizenship and can prove you are habitually resident
Pre-settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme and another right to reside
Indefinite leave to remain or settled status from the EU Settlement
Aged 25-59 you must work a minimum of 30 Hours
Aged 60 or over, you must work a minimum of 16 Hours
Disabled, you must work a minimum of 16 Hours
Single person responsible for a child or young person, you must work a minimum of 16 Hours
In a couple responsible for a child or young person, you must work a minimum of 24 Hours between you with 1 of you working at least 16 hours

This is means-tested and the amount you can receive depends on:

Your savings
Who you live with
How much rent you pay
How many rooms you have in your home
If you get Disability or Carers Benefits

This is means-tested and the amount you can receive depends on:

You have a limited capability for work
Under state pension age
Have made enough National Insurance Contributions
Not getting SSP
Not working

This is a lot of information, and it can be overwhelming but we’re always on hand to help you work out what benefits to claim.

To break it down

You are eligible to claim Universal Credit if:

You are out of work or work under 16-30 hours
You are aged 18 or over
You are under the state pension age
You have less than £16,000 in savings
You live in the UK

See if you can claim on the GOV website

You could also be entitled to

If you’re unable to work because of a physical or mental disability there are different benefits you can claim:

1. Personal Independent Living Allowance (PIP) (Aged between 16-pension age)

You must find it hard to do everyday tasks or get around because of a physical or mental condition. You can claim whether you get help from another person or not.

Claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

2. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Aged under 16)

You can get DLA if at least one of the following applies to your child:

they need a lot more care, attention, or supervision than a child of the same age who isn't disabled;
they have difficulty walking or getting around outdoors in unfamiliar places, compared to a child of the same age who isn't disabled.

Claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

3. Attendance Allowance (AA)

Are over State Pension age
Could benefit from help with personal care such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night
Have any type of disability or illness, including sight or hearing impairment mental health issues, or dementia
Have needed help for at least 6 months

Claim for Attendance Allowance

If you’re a carer, you could also be entitled to benefits, namely Carers Allowance:

You must spend at least 35 hours caring for a Disabled Person (You don’t have to be related to the person)
Care for someone who receives a medium or higher level rate of DLA, PIP, or AA
Not earn more than £128 per week after deductions
You must not be in full-time education
Along with careers allowance you may be able to claim for Income Support (Universal Credit)

Life is full of different expenditures and one of the big ones is Council Tax, depending on what band you’re in, you could be paying up to £179 per month.

But you may be entitled to Council Tax Support.

The amount you’ll receive depends on:

Which benefits you receive
Your age
Your income
Your savings
Who you live with
How much Council Tax you pay

Other benefits

You can receive £25 per week for 7 weeks between 1st of November and 31st of March (01/11-31/03) each year if you receive certain benefits and the temperature in your area is 0°C or less for 7 consecutive days.

Were you born on or before 26 September 1955 (this date changes every financial year. Date correct as of March 2022)
You have lived in the UK throughout the qualifying week for the financial year of 2021-2022 (20-26 September 2021)
Receive State Pension
Receive another Social Security Benefit (This does not include Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, Universal Credit, or a deferred State Pension)

Claim a Winter Fuel Payment

The Bereavement happened on or after 6th April 2017
You’re under State Pension age
It has been under 3 months since the death

Claim Bereavement Support

Support for Mortgage Interest

You may be able to claim if you receive any of the following benefits:

Pension Credits

Income Support

JSA

ESA

Universal Credit

Claim Support for Mortgage Interest

Benefits Calculator

Try the Entitled To Benefits Calculator to get a better understanding of what you could be missing out on.

Here at DFH, we believe in supporting you to live your best financial life. That means getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, so you’re not worrying about money constantly. For any more information, speak to one of our expert advisors.

Benefits Calculator Contact us