UK benefits: which ones fit your situation?

The UK benefits system can feel like a maze. Start with your situation below — each section names the benefits most likely to help and links to a fuller guide. Many people can get more than one benefit at the same time. A free benefits calculator on GOV.UK or Turn2us is the quickest way to check your own entitlement.

Out of work or on a low income

Universal Credit is the main benefit for working-age people on a low income, whether you are out of work, working part time or self-employed. You must be 18 or over (with some exceptions), under State Pension age and have £16,000 or less in savings. Start with claiming Universal Credit; the helpline is 0800 328 5644.

If you have paid enough National Insurance, New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (if you are looking for work) or New Style Employment and Support Allowance (if illness stops you working) may also be paid, alongside or instead of Universal Credit. New claims: 0800 055 6688, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Disabled or living with a health condition

PIP — for extra costs of a long-term condition, ages 16 to State Pension age. Not means-tested. How to claim PIP.
Universal Credit health element — extra money if you have limited capability for work and work-related activity. Disability and Motability.
DLA for children — for children under 16 who need extra care or have walking difficulties. DLA guide.
Attendance Allowance — over State Pension age and needing help with personal care. Not means-tested. 0800 731 0122.

Caring for someone

If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get a qualifying disability benefit, you may get Carer's Allowance (£86.45 a week) and, on Universal Credit, the carer element (£209.34 a month). Carer's Allowance also gives you National Insurance credits.

Raising children

Universal Credit adds £303.94 a month for each child (an extra £47.94 for a first child born before 6 April 2017), plus extra if a child is disabled.
Working parents can get up to 85% of childcare costs back through Universal Credit.
Child Benefit and Tax-Free Childcare are separate schemes — check GOV.UK.

Help with rent and housing

Universal Credit includes help with rent for most working-age tenants. Some people in supported, sheltered or temporary housing claim Housing Benefit instead. Councils can help with shortfalls. See housing costs. Homeowners may get a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

Short of money for a one-off cost

On Universal Credit, ask for a Budgeting Advance. On older benefits such as Pension Credit or income-related ESA for six months, you may get an interest-free Budgeting Loan. Your local council may also run a crisis fund.

Over State Pension age

You cannot usually make a new claim for Universal Credit or PIP once you reach State Pension age. Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit are the main sources of help. Check GOV.UK or call the relevant DWP line.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits (Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment) through Social Security Scotland. Northern Ireland runs its own benefits through nidirect, including Universal Credit (0800 012 1331).

Where to get free help

Citizens Advice, Turn2us and local advice centres can check your entitlement and help with forms. See extra support, or our Benefits A–Z for every free number on one page.

Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.