The Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) was introduced to provide financial support to service personnel and veterans seriously injured as a result of service to cover the extra costs they may have as a result of their injury.

More about Armed Forces Independence Payment

A benefit paid by the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) to people who have care needs as a result of their disability & are aged 65 or over when they claim. It is not affected by your income or capital & you do not have to have paid National Insurance (NI) contributions.

More about Attendance Allowance

If your spouse or civil partner has died you may be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment to help ease some of the financial worries you may be facing. These benefits are not means-tested,  this means they are available to anyone regardless of their income level and can be paid whether or not you are working.

More about Bereavement Support Payment

The Blue badge scheme is run by local authorities and provides flexible, and sometimes free parking to people with a disability that affects their walking or driving. To qualify, you must get the enhanced rate of personal independence payment (mobility component) or the higher rate of disability living allowance mobility component. Your award must have at least 12 months left to run.

More about the Blue Badge Scheme

Budgeting Loans are interest free loans from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Social Fund that are available only to people claiming certain income-related benefits for a minimum of 6 months. You have to pay back a Budgeting Loa.

More about Budgeting Loans

If you are providing care for someone for at least 35 hours per week and they receive certain disability benefits you may be eligible to claim Carers Allowance.

You could receive a weekly income and you don’t have to be related to, or live with, the person you are caring for. However if you care for more than one person, you can only be paid for one and you will receive no extra.

More about Carer's Allowance 

You will get Child Benefit if you are responsible for one or more children under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). There’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

You can choose not to get Child Benefit payments, but you should still fill in the claim form because:

• it will help you get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension
  
  

• it will ensure your child is registered to get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

More about Child Benefit

You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you are getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).

You will get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days.

You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Cold Weather payments are different to Winter Fuel Payments.

More about Cold Weather Payment

If you have a low income, and have minimal savings, you may be able to claim Council Tax Reduction, also known as Council Tax Support. If you are entitled to Council Tax Reduction your award will be taken off your Council Tax bill, reducing the amount you need to pay.

To check your full benefit entitlement visit our Benefit Calculators page for free online calculators.

More about Council Tax Reduction

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit paid tax free for people who have extra care needs or mobility needs (difficulty getting around) as a result of a disability. There are two parts called components:

• Care component

• Mobility component
  
  

You may qualify for one or both of these. You can no longer make a new claim for DLA if you are 16 or over.

More about Disability Living Allowance

Disability premiums are extra amounts of money added to your:

• Income Support

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Housing Benefit
  
  

Any money you get is added to your benefit payments automatically so you usually do not have to apply for a disability premium.

There are 3 types of disability premium for adults:

• disability premium

• enhanced disability premium

• severe disability premium
  
  

You can get more than one premium at a time.

More about Disability Premiums

If you're receiving housing costs through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and face certain shortfalls in covering your rent, or if you're affected by the benefit cap, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). This payment is designed to provide temporary assistance to help top up your housing costs.

How to Apply

Discretionary Housing Payments are administered by your local authority. Since the support is discretionary, there's no guarantee your application will be approved. Additionally, as DHP is temporary, repeat applications may also be refused.

Qualifying Shortfalls Include:

• Bedroom tax

• Non-dependent deduction

• Benefit cap
  
  

Shortfalls Not Covered by DHP:

• Rent shortfalls due to benefit sanctions

• No housing costs being received through benefits

• Full housing costs already being covered

• Ineligible service charges (e.g., heating or lighting)
  
  

As local authorities have different policies regarding DHP, it’s important to check with your local council before applying to understand their specific rules and eligibility criteria.

More about Discretionary Hardship Payment

ESA is a benefit, which is paid if you are ill or disabled, providing financial support if you’re unable to work and personalised help so that you can work if you are able to.

You can apply for ESA, whether you are employed, self-employed or unemployed. You could be transferred to ESA if you’ve been claiming other benefits, for example, Income Support or Incapacity Benefit.

There are three types of ESA: New style ESA, income-based ESA and Contribution-based ESA. Your circumstances will determine which type you will receive. 

‘New style’ ESA 

To qualify for ‘new style’ ESA you’ll need to:

• Have paid National Insurance contributions, usually in the last two to three years, either as an employee or through self employment. If you have acquired National Insurance credits they will count too

• Have an illness or disability that affects your ability to work

Neither you or your partner’s income and savings will affect how much ‘new style’ ESA you will be paid.

If you are eligible for Universal Credit you will be able to claim it, at the same time or instead of the ‘new style’ ESA. However if you get both Universal Credit and ‘new style’ ESA at the same time, your ‘new style’ ESA payment will be deducted from your Universal Credit payment.

Income-based ESA 

To be awarded income -based ESA you need to have an illness or disability that affects your ability to work, and in addition, you must receive either:

• A severe disability premium, or

• A severe disability premium was awarded within the last month and you’re still eligible for it

Your National Insurance contributions in the last 2 to 3 years do not affect your eligibility for income-based ESA

Contribution-based ESA 

To be awarded contribution-based ESA you need to have an illness or disability that affects your ability to work, and in addition, you must receive either:

• A severe disability premium, or

• A severe disability premium was awarded within the last month and you’re still eligible for it

You will need to have paid National Insurance contributions, usually in the last two to three years, either as an employee or through self employment. If you have acquired National Insurance credits they will count too. 

Neither you or your partner’s income and savings will affect how much contribution-based ESA you will be paid.

More about Employment Support Allowance

When your child starts school, he or she might be entitled to a free school meal. If you have children in reception, year 1 or year 2 and they go to a state school they are entitled to free school meals regardless of your household income. From year 3 onwards your children could get free lunches, and sometimes milk, at school if you are receiving certain qualifying benefits.

More about Free School Meals

If you're on a qualifying welfare benefit, a Funeral Expenses Payments can be claimed from the government and paid to eligible benefit claimants. The amount you get does not usually cover the cost of a funeral. You must apply within 6 months of the funeral.

Financial support is available for a child's funeral and an adult funeral.

More about help with adult funeral costs

More about help with a child's funeral costs

If you are bringing up a child and the child's parents have died, you may be entitled to receive Guardian’s Allowance. 

There are also special conditions to claim when there is one surviving parent. 

Guardian’s Allowance rate is paid at weekly and you are entitled to receive this on top of Child Benefit and it is tax-free too. 

If entitled to Guardian’s Allowance you will normally be paid every 4 weeks. It can be paid weekly if you’re a single parent or in receipt of certain other benefits, such as Income Support.

More about Guardian's Allowance

Housing Benefit is paid by your local authority to help with your housing costs, whereas universal credit is paid by the Department for Work & Pensions. Universal credit has replaced most claims for housing costs but there are some scenarios where housing benefit is still paid, such as:

• reaching state pension age

• only entitled to housing benefit and no other replacement income benfits

• still claiming legacy benefits (tax credits, income support, old style ESA)

• a dual housing costs claim, i.e. temporary accommodation

If your housing benefit claim ended & you think this is an error, it might be better to have the housing benefit housing decision revised before making a new universal credit claim. You will need to speak to a debt adviser to discuss whether you are able to request a revision as there are time limits to consider.

More about housing benefit

Incapacity Benefit is a weekly payment for individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be unable to work due to illness or incapacity

• Have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions

• Pass a personal capability assessment

Please note, only those who applied before October 2008 are still receiving Incapacity Benefit, as it has been replaced by Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for new claims.

More about incapacity benefit

Income Support helps people who do not have enough to live on. It is only available for certain groups of people who do not get Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance and are not in full time employment. Income Support is being replaced by Universal Credit.

More about Income Support

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) is a payment for individuals who have become ill or disabled as a result of a workplace accident or due to certain diseases caused by their job. 

It is available to employees (not the self-employed) who have suffered a qualifying injury or developed an illness related to their work. The amount you receive depends on the severity of your disability or illness, and eligibility is determined through medical assessments.

More information on Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit paid by the UK Government to people who are unemployed and actively seeking work. It is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in England, Wales, and Scotland, and in Northern Ireland by the Department for Communities. 

More about Job Seeker's Allowance

Maternity Allowance is a benefit available for expectant mothers who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. 

It provides financial support to women who are employed, self-employed, or recently out of work. 

The payment is based on your recent work history and earnings, and can be claimed for up to 39 weeks. Maternity Allowance ensures that those who don't meet the criteria for Statutory Maternity Pay still receive help during maternity leave.

More information on Maternity Allowance

The Motability Scheme is provided by a national charity - Motability. It is available to a person with enhanced rate of personal independence payment 'mobility component'  or the higher rate of disability living allowance 'mobility component', awards must have a minimum of 12 moths to run. It provides a simple way to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair without the worry of owning or running one.

More about the Motability Scheme

You’ll be able to claim the new State Pension when you reach State Pension age if you’re:

• a man born on or after 6 April 1951
  
  

• a woman born on or after 6 April 1953

The payment is made every 4 weeks and starts from the date you reach state pension age. The amount will depend on your national insurance contributions.

More information on new state pension

Free NHS dental treatment is available to certain groups to ensure that essential dental care is accessible to those who may have financial or health-related reasons.

Eligibility for free treatment covers individuals who are receiving certain benefits, pregnant women, new mothers, and others with specific health conditions. NHS dental treatment includes essential care, such as check-ups, fillings, and extractions, but more cosmetic treatments may not be covered.

By offering free dental services, the NHS aims to promote better oral health and provide equitable access to necessary treatments.

More information on Free NHS Dental Care

NHS Healthy Start Vouchers are designed to help pregnant women and families with young children buy healthy food and milk. Eligible individuals receive vouchers that can be used to purchase items like fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables, milk, and infant formula. The scheme aims to support those on lower incomes in maintaining a nutritious diet during pregnancy and early childhood.

To access the vouchers, you must be referred by a health professional, usually a midwife or a health visitor.

More information on NHS Healthy Start Vouchers

NHS Prescriptions & Other Health Costs provide essential medical services and medications at reduced or no cost for eligible individuals. This includes free prescriptions for certain groups, such as people on specific benefits, those with medical conditions, and individuals over 60 or under 16. 

Additionally, support is available for dental treatments, eye tests, and other healthcare services through exemptions, vouchers, and the NHS Low Income Scheme, ensuring that essential healthcare remains accessible to everyone.

More information on NHS Prescriptions & Other Health Costs

Pension Credit is a benefit aimed at providing additional financial support to people of State Pension age who have a low income. It helps to top up weekly income to a minimum guaranteed level and may also offer extra help with housing costs, heating bills, and certain other expenses.

Pension Credit is divided into two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit, with eligibility depending on individual circumstances.

Many people miss out on Pension Credit, so it's important to check if you qualify. Try our free online benefit calculator to see if you can receive help.

More information for Pension Credit

If you have a disability or long term illness which affects your daily living and/or your mobility, you may be entitled to PIP, a benefit to help pay for the extra needs you have as a result.

If you qualify for PIP because of your disability or long term illness, it will be paid to you regardless of your income, savings, National Insurance contribution record and it is a tax free benefit. You can also receive PIP if you are working or studying. The PIP payments you receive do not have to be spent on paying for the extra needs you have. 

PIP is available for all new claimants and replaces DLA (if you are between the ages of 16 and 64 and if you were under 65 on 8 April 2013).

Try our free online PIP Checker Tool.

More about Personal Independence Payment

It is important to check how your savings and capital might affect your benefit entitlement if you qualify for 'pension age' benefits.  You can check your state pension age by using the government calculator, the current pension age is under review and is likely to increase.

If you are in a couple your eligibility for pension age means-tested benefits is based on the age of the youngest person in the couple. 

More about Savings & Capital Rules - Over 60's

You might be eligible for statutory adoption leave or statutory adoption pay if you're:

• adopting a child

• fostering a child permanently and becoming their legal parent ('fostering to adopt')

• 'Statutory' means the legal minimum your employer must give you.

Your employer might offer a better adoption leave and pay scheme. Check your contract or speak to your employer.

More about statutory adoption pay

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a benefit that provides financial support to eligible employees during maternity leave. It is paid by employers for up to 39 weeks to help cover income while you take time off to care for your newborn. 

To qualify, you must have been working for your employer for at least 26 weeks, earn at least £123 per week, and give appropriate notice. SMP ensures that mothers receive a portion of their regular earnings while they take time away from work after childbirth.

More information on Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is benefit that provides financial support to eligible employees who take time off work to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. 

It is paid for up to 2 weeks by the employer and helps fathers, partners, and adopters spend quality time with their family following the birth or adoption. To qualify for SPP, you must meet certain employment and earnings criteria and provide appropriate notice to your employer.

More information on Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)

You can get weekly Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if unable to work due to illness. SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. You must be eligible for SSP,  see below.

• You must be paid no less than the statutory amount.
  
  

• You can get more if your company has a contractual sick pay scheme (or ‘occupational scheme’) - check your employment contract.
  
  

More about Statutory Sick Pay

If you are expecting your first child and have no other children under 16, or you are expecting a multiple birth, for example, twins or triplets (even if you have children already you may be entitled to a one off payment (in Scotland you can apply for a ‘pregnancy and baby payment’ instead).

More about Sure Start Maternity Grant

Tax Credits are claimed and paid through HMRC. In most cases, tax credits have been replaced by Universal Credit.

There are two types of tax credits:

• Working Tax Credit
  
  

• Child Tax Credit

If you are already claiming tax credits and remain eligible, these will be renewed annually until your local area rolls out Universal Credit, the government has delayed full roll out to 2024. Current claimants will be sent an annual declaration pack to complete by a certain date and must return this or submit online to prevent your claim from ending, you can also renew by phone.

If you have children moving from high school to higher education, it is important to notify both Child Benefit and HMRC that your child is remaining in education. If you claim council tax reduction and housing benefit, you must also let your local authority know to avoid overpayments. Benefit departments are not yet co-ordinated with these changes.

More about Tax Credits

Universal Credit is a payment provided by the DWP to help with your living costs. It's paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland. You may be able to get it if you're on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. Universal Credit is replacing other benefits, referred to as legacy benefits, these include:

• Child Tax Credit

• Housing Benefit

• Income Support

• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Working Tax Credit

Some areas have already fully switched over to universal credit, other areas will be switched over by 2024.

Universal Credit is mostly claimed and managed online via a personal online journal, although it is possible to do this by telephone in exceptional circumstances.

If you don’t have enough to live on while you wait for your first payment you may be able to get a Universal Credit advance payment while you're waiting for your first award.

You have to repay the advance through deductions from your monthly Universal Credit award. The first deduction is made on the day you get your first payment. You must usually pay back the advance within:

• 24 months if you apply for the advance on or after 12 April 2021 because you’ve made a new claim for Universal Credit
  
  

• 12 months if you applied for the advance before 12 April 2021 because you made a new claim for Universal Credit
  
  

• 6 months if you apply for the advance because of a change of circumstances

More about Universal Credit Advance

Widowed parent's allowance, or bereavement support is a weekly benefit for widows, widowers or surviving civil partners. These benefits are not means-tested, so they are available to anyone regardless of their income level and can be paid whether or not you are working.

You can only claim this benefit of your partner died before 6 April 2017.

These benefits are not means-tested, so they are available to anyone regardless of their income level and can be paid whether or not you are working.

More about Widowed Parent's Allowance

If you were born before 26 September 1956 you could get help paying your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you are eligible and you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).

You may get other Cost of Living Payments, these are confirmed by the government each year.

Most payments are made automatically. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.

More about Winter Fuel Payment

If you are doing paid work for an employer or are self-employed but on a low income, you might still qualify for certain welfare benefits. Some benefit entitlement will depend on how many hours of paid work you do per week.

More about Working Hours for Benefits