In the United Kingdom, millions of pounds in benefits is left unclaimed every year. A staggering amount of people could greatly benefit from this help, yet many are simply unaware of their entitlement.
With this in mind, we have assembled the most significant benefits you could be entitled to. If you meet the detailed criteria, you should certainly state your claim and receive the support you deserve.
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
JSA provides financial support for those who are currently out of work. It allows individuals to stay on their feet whilst they are between jobs, supporting themselves and their families.
Am I Eligible for JSA?
JSA can only by applied for if you are both willing and actively searching for work. You must also meet the following criteria:
- Age 18+
- Able to work
- Working less than 16 hours per week
- Not in full-time education
How Much Can JSA Cover?
Your individual allowance will be dependent on a combination of income, savings and circumstances.
If you have made enough National Insurance contributions in the previous two tax years, you could receive contribution-based JSA.
If you have not worked for the last two years, receive a salary of less than £153 per week, or have been claiming contribution based-JSA for more than 182 days, you may receive income-based JSA.
Age Group Weekly Allowance (up to)
18-24 £57.90
25+ £73.10
Couples (18+) £114.85
Payments are made every 2 weeks into your bank account.
Additional Entitlements
You are also eligible to receive Cold Weather payments between 1st November and 31st March. For every 7-day period, when the temperature recorded is zero or below, you will receive £25.
For income-based JSAs, you will also be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatments.
You can either apply for JSA online or at your local Job Centre Plus.
Housing Benefit
For those with low incomes, housing benefit provides support for paying for rental bills. This may cover the entire cost or just a partial sum.
Am I Eligible for Housing Benefit?
You may be able to receive Housing Benefit if:
- You are currently paying rent for a property
- Your income is low or you are claiming other benefits
- Your savings are lower than £16,000
It may be applied for whether you are employed or unemployed.
How Much Can Housing Benefit Cover?
The amount of support you will receive depends heavily on income and personal circumstances.
If you are renting from the Council, the following factors will be considered:
- Whether you have spare rooms
- Your income (including benefits)
- Savings over £6000
- The number of people living in the house, their ages, disabilities
- What is considered reasonable rent for your area
If you are renting privately, a local housing allowance dictates the amount of support you can receive. They will take the following factors into consideration:
- The size of your home, number of bedrooms
- Your income level, including benefits and savings
- Your local area
- Your personal circumstances
Number of Bedrooms Maximum Weekly Support
1 or shared housing £260
2 Bed £302
3 Bed £354
4 Bed £417
For council buildings, payments will be sent directly to your rent account.
For private rentals, payments will go directly to your bank account.
To make a housing benefits claim, contact your local Job Centre Plus.
Working Tax Credits
For individuals who are currently working but receive low incomes, working tax credits can offer additional support.
Am I Eligible for Working Tax Credits?
Tax credits are available if you fit either of the following criteria:
- You are between the ages of 16-24, have a child or a disability
- You are over 25, below the income threshold and above the work hour threshold
Age/Circumstances Minimum Work Hours (Weekly)
25-59 30 Hours
60+ 16 Hours
Disabled 16 Hours
Single (1+ children) 16 Hours
Couple (1+ children) 24 Hours (between both)
How Much Does Working Tax Credits Cover?
The basic amount received is up to £1,960 per year. But you may be eligible for additional elements on top:
Additional Element Annual Amount (Up to)
Couples £2,010
Single Parents £2,010
Working 30+ Hours per week £810
Disability £2,970
Serve Disabilities £1,275 (on top of the previous)
Pay Childcare £122.50 for 1 child and £210 for 2+ (weekly)
Payments are made weekly or monthly, direct to your bank account.
You may use online calculators to estimate your entitlement. You can make a claim by calling the Tax Credits Office.
Universal Credit
Universal credit can be claimed in place of certain benefits. The final sum can provide cover for a wide range of circumstances.
Am I Eligible for Universal Credit?
To claim you must either be unemployed or on a low income. It cannot be claimed in conjunction with the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Working/Child Tax Credit
- Employment Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
Not all areas of the United Kingdom are currently eligible. Check your location for to see if you can make a claim.
What Will Universal Credit Cover?
The amount of Universal Credit received is dependent on your income level, personal circumstances and location. It may support any number of the following:
- Housing (rent and bills)
- Children and Childcare
- Disabilities and health conditions
- Caring for others with disabilities
Weekly working hour thresholds are not used for Universal credit. Instead, payments will be adjusted as your income increases.
After application, processing takes up to six weeks. Then you will receive monthly payments are made to your bank account.
Additional Entitlements
You are also eligible to receive Cold Weather payments between 1st November and 31st March. For every 7-day period, when the temperature recorded is zero or below, you will receive £25.
You will be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatments.
You can claim universal credit online.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA offers additional financial support for those who are disabled or suffer from health conditions. They may be employed, unemployed or even self-employed. ESA can provide one or both of the following:
- Financial help when you are not able to work
- Assistance that may enable you to return to work
Often people are transferred to ESA from other benefits such as Income Support or Incapacity Benefit.
Am I Eligible for ESA?
If you suffer from an illness or disability that makes it difficult for you to work, may be able to claim. Also, you must not currently be receiving the following:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Statutory Sick Pay or Maternity Pay
How Much Does ESA Cover?
Your entitlement depends on income level and the type of ESAs you are eligible for. These are the two different types of ESA:
- If you made enough contributions through National Insurance, you can get contributed-based ESA.
- If your income is low you may have a standalone or additional Income- related ESA.
Assessment rates will be applied for the first 13 weeks after your claim:
Age Group Weekly claim (up to)
Under 25s £57.90
Over 25s £73.10
Then you must undergo a Work Capability Assessment. This will assess how your disability or illness affects your ability to work.
If you are approved, you will be placed in one of these two groups:
- Work regulated activity group. You will attend regular interviews and have contact with an advisor to help set goals.
- Support group. You won’t need to attend interviews, but you still receive guidance from an advisor. This group is only suitable for severe disabilities.
Group Weekly claim (up to)
Work-Related Activity £102.15
Support £109.30
If you are receiving income-related ESA and are in the support group, you may be able to receive an additional £15.75 per week for disabilities. Severe disabilities may qualify for an additional £61.85 per week.
If you no longer qualify for contribution-based ESA, you may still be able to receive income-related ESA.
Additional Entitlements
You are eligible for Cold Weather payments between 1st November and 31st March. For every 7-day period, when the temperature recorded is zero or below, you will receive £25.
For income-based ESA, you will also be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatments.
To apply for ESA, you need to fill out an ESA1 form and take it to your local Job Centre Plus.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Both DLA and PIP provide financial support for care and mobility of disabled individuals. PIP now replaces DLA and many will be transferred over gradually.
Am I Eligible for DLA or PIP?
If you have a long-term health condition or disability you may be entitled to additional support. To be eligible you must require one or both of the following:
- Help to take care of yourself
- Askance for walking or general mobility
DLA is no longer applicable for anyone who is:
- Born after 8th April 1948
- 16+ years of age
New claims for DLA can only be made if you are under the age of 16.
Otherwise, you should be claiming PIP.
If you are already receiving DLA, this will continue until the Department for Work and Pensions contacts you. They will inform you when your DLA is due to finish and prompt you to apply for PIP. You can also check online to see if this will affect you.
What Does DLA/PIP Cover?
DLA/PIP payments comprise of two core components and different rates. The sum of each is determined by how disabilities or health conditions affect your life. You may receive one or both components together.
Care Component:
Lower Rate (N/A to PIP) £22.00 Weekly
This would apply to someone who requires a little help during the day, such as cooking meals.
Medium Rate (Standard) £55.65 Weekly
This could be for someone who requires more help, constant day supervision, night supervision or support during dialysis.
Higher Rate (Enhanced) £83.10 Weekly
This would be for those who are terminally ill or require help or supervision day and night.
Mobility Component:
Lower Rate (Standard) £22.00 Weekly
This would be suitable for someone who requires supervision or help when out of their home.
Higher Rate (Enhanced) £58.00 Weekly
For those with more serve conditions that prevent them walking comfortably.
(PIP only uses two rates, Standard and Enhanced)
Monthly payments will be made into your bank account.
Further Entitlements
You may receive a blue badge and free road tax without further assessment if you are:
- On the higher rate for mobility for DLA
- Scored 8+ (Enhanced) for mobility activity for PIP
If you are on the Standard or lower rates of mobility you can still receive a 50% reduction in road tax. The following conditions will also need to be considered:
- The vehicle in question is only used for transporting the entitled person
- The entitled person may or may be the vehicle owner
To apply for PIP, you must contact the Personal Independence Payment (DWP) claims department.
Support For Mortgage Interest (SMI)
Homeowners who already receive specific benefits may be eligible for additional support with interest payments. This may be for house mortgages or even home improvements/repairs based loans.
SMI only provides support for the interest component of your loan, not the actual amount. Payments are always sent directly to lenders.
Am I Eligible for SMI?
To qualify for SMI, you must already be receiving, at least, one of the benefits listed below:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income-based)
What Does SMI Cover?
If you are accepted for SMI, you can receive support in paying the interest on up to £200,000 of your loan.
It will not cover you for the amount borrowed, insurance policies or arrears.
Payments will be organised with your lender, after a 13-week waiting period from the application.
3.12% is the typical interest rate used when calculating SMI.
If you are applying for the first time and receive income-based JSA, you will only receive support for 2 years. Yet, if you are claiming any of the other required benefits there is no limit on time.
Contact your local Job Centre Plus to apply for SMI.
More Information on UK Benefits
To quickly identify all benefits that may apply to you, consider using this tool from Citizens Advice.
For more information on UK benefits, conditions and eligibility, visit the government website.