What Benefits Might I Be Entitled To?

The benefits system can be difficult to understand.

You may be wondering whether you could get financial support because your income is low, you are unable to work, you have a health condition, you care for somebody or you are getting older.

You might also assume you will not qualify because you:

have a job
have some savings
own your home
live with a partner
have never claimed benefits before

Do not rule yourself out without checking.

Different benefits have different rules, and the support available depends on your individual circumstances.

What could affect what I’m entitled to?

Benefits can depend on things such as:

your age
your income
your partner’s income
savings and investments
whether you work
whether you rent or own your home
children you are responsible for
illness or disability
caring responsibilities
National Insurance contributions
other benefits you already receive

Not every factor applies to every benefit.

This is why a benefits check can be more useful than trying to decide for yourself whether you qualify.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit provides financial support for people on a low income or who need help with living costs.

You do not necessarily have to be unemployed to receive it.

Some people receive Universal Credit while working.

The amount you may receive depends on your circumstances and can be affected by household income, savings and other factors.

Universal Credit can also include additional amounts in certain circumstances, including help connected with housing costs, children, caring responsibilities or health conditions.

There is a separate MH360 guide explaining Universal Credit in more detail.

What if I’m ill or have a disability?

Different support may be relevant depending on your age, circumstances and how your health affects you.

This can include benefits such as:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP can help with extra costs associated with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

It looks at how your condition affects particular everyday activities and mobility rather than simply the name of a diagnosis.

Attendance Allowance

If you have reached State Pension age and have a disability or health condition that means you need help with personal care or supervision, Attendance Allowance may be relevant.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

This may be relevant to some people whose health condition or disability affects their ability to work, depending on their circumstances and National Insurance contribution record.

These benefits have different eligibility rules.

What if I care for somebody?

If you regularly provide substantial care for somebody, there may be financial support worth checking.

This can include Carer’s Allowance in some circumstances.

Even where Carer’s Allowance is not payable, caring responsibilities can sometimes affect entitlement to other benefits or National Insurance credits.

It is worth completing a wider benefits check rather than looking at Carer’s Allowance alone.

What if I’m older?

Reaching State Pension age does not necessarily mean the State Pension is the only financial support available.

Depending on your circumstances, it may be worth checking benefits such as:

Pension Credit

This can provide additional financial support to some people over State Pension age on a lower income.

Attendance Allowance

This may be relevant if a health condition or disability means you need help or supervision.

Other help with housing costs, council tax or household expenses may also be available depending on your circumstances.

Can I get benefits if I’m working?

Possibly.

Having a job does not automatically prevent you from receiving benefits.

For example, some people receive Universal Credit while working.

Other benefits are based on different criteria rather than simply whether you have a job.

If you are working but struggling financially, do not assume there is nothing you can claim.

What if I have savings?

Again, it depends on the benefit.

Savings can affect some means-tested benefits.

For Universal Credit, for example, capital above particular levels can reduce an award or prevent entitlement.

Other benefits operate differently.

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, for example, so earnings and savings do not determine the amount you receive.

The important point is:

Do not apply the rules for one benefit to every other benefit.

What about help with rent and Council Tax?

Depending on your circumstances, financial help may also be available towards housing costs.

For some working-age households, help with rent may form part of Universal Credit.

Different arrangements can apply in other circumstances.

Council Tax Reduction is administered by local councils and may reduce the amount of Council Tax you need to pay if you meet the relevant rules.

There are separate MH360 guides covering rent and Council Tax support.

How do I find out what I might qualify for?

One of the easiest starting points is a benefits calculator.

A calculator will usually ask about things such as:

your income
your partner’s income
savings
housing costs
children
existing benefits
pensions
Council Tax

It can then estimate benefits you may be entitled to and how much you might receive.

The UK Government lists independent benefits calculators that are free and anonymous.

If your circumstances are more complicated, you may also wish to speak to a benefits adviser.

MH360 Entitled can help people explore benefits and financial support that may be worth checking.

When should I check my entitlement?

It can be particularly useful to complete a new benefits check when something changes.

For example:

you lose your job
your working hours reduce
your income falls
you become ill
you develop a disability or long-term health condition
you become a carer
you separate from a partner
somebody joins or leaves your household
you reach State Pension age
your housing situation changes

A previous benefits check does not necessarily tell you what you might qualify for now.

Don’t assume somebody will automatically tell you

You may qualify for support without realising it.

A useful approach is not to ask:

“Do I look like somebody who should be claiming benefits?”

Instead ask:

“Based on my circumstances, what am I actually entitled to?”

Checking does not commit you to making a claim.

It simply gives you better information about the support that may be available.

7.10: How Can I Check Whether I’m Missing Out on Benefits?

7.11: What Is Universal Credit?

7.12: Can I Get Universal Credit if I’m Working?

7.13: What Help Is Available if I’m Too Ill to Work?

7.14: What Financial Support Is Available if I Have a Disability or Long-Term Health Condition?

7.15: What Benefits and Financial Help Are Available for Carers?

7.18: What Is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?

7.27: What Is Attendance Allowance?

7.30: What Financial Help Might Be Available in Later Life?

Important information

This guide provides general information and is not intended to provide benefits, financial, legal or other professional advice. Benefit rules, rates and eligibility criteria can change and individual circumstances can be different. Check current information from official sources or seek advice from an appropriately qualified benefits adviser before making important decisions.