Financial supported you could be eligible for
Whether due to unemployment, low income, disability, or other life circumstances, various benefits are available to provide financial assistance and social support. Below is a list of the major types of benefits in the UK, their purposes, and who can qualify for them.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment for people who are on a low income or out of work. It consolidates several previous benefits into one, including income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance, housing benefit, child tax credit, and working tax credit. Universal Credit aims to simplify the benefits system and help recipients manage their finances. To be eligible, individuals must be under State Pension age and have less than £16,000 in savings. Read more on .Gov.uk.
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Jobseeker’s Allowance is for those who are currently unemployed but capable of work. It is intended to help cover living costs whilst the recipient looks for employment. There are two types: contribution-based JSA, which depends on your National Insurance contributions, and income-based JSA, which depends on your income and savings. Read more on .Gov.uk.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Employment and Support Allowance is targeted at adults under the State Pension age who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work. ESA provides financial support and personalised help from a work coach. It also comes in two forms: contributory, which is based on National Insurance contributions, and income-related, which depends on income and savings. Read more on .Gov.uk.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a payment made to parents or guardians of children under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). It helps with the costs of raising children. There is no income limit for Child Benefit, but it is subject to a tax charge if an individual or their partner earns over £50,000 a year. Read more on .Gov.uk.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit provides additional money to help with living costs for those who have reached State Pension age and have a low income. It supplements the basic State Pension and is available in two parts: Guarantee Credit, which tops up weekly income to a minimum level, and Savings Credit, an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement. Read more on .Gov.uk.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit helps to cover rent for those on a low income or claiming other benefits. It’s being gradually replaced by Universal Credit. Eligibility and the amount of benefit received depend on the local council’s rules, the claimant’s income, and whether they rent privately or from a council. Read more on .Gov.uk.
Disability Benefits
The UK provides several disability benefits, including Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults aged 16 to State Pension age, and Attendance Allowance for those over State Pension age. These benefits are designed to help with extra costs that people with disabilities face. Read more on .Gov.uk.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who care for someone with substantial caring needs. Carers must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. This allowance is not dependent on National Insurance contributions but earnings limits apply. Read more on .Gov.uk.