The benefits you can claim depend on your personal circumstances such as your age, health, income, employment status, and whether you have children or care responsibilities. Here are some common types of benefits you might be eligible for:
Benefits Based on Employment and Income Status
- Universal Credit : For people on a low income or out of work, providing support with living and housing costs. It is means-tested and can include extra amounts for children, disability, or rent
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) : Support if you are looking for work
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) : Paid by your employer if you are unable to work due to illness, for up to 28 weeks
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) : For those who cannot work or can only work limited hours due to sickness or disability, especially if SSP has ended or you don’t qualify for it
Benefits for Disabled or Sick People
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) : Non-means-tested benefits to help with extra costs of disability or long-term health conditions
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) : For children or adults with disabilities
- Attendance Allowance : For people over State Pension age who need help with daily living activities
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit : If your disability or illness was caused by work
Benefits for Older People
- State Pension : If you have reached State Pension age and have paid enough National Insurance contributions
- Pension Credit : A means-tested top-up for those on a low income after State Pension age, which can also give access to other benefits like help with council tax and energy costs
- Category D Pension : Extra money for those 80 or over with a low State Pension and sufficient UK residency
Benefits for Families and Carers
- Child Benefit : For those responsible for children
- Carer’s Allowance : For people who regularly care for someone with substantial care needs
Other Support
- Housing Benefit : Help with rent if you are struggling to pay it
- Help with Council Tax : Possible reductions if you pay council tax and are on a low income or have disabilities
- Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment : Help with energy bills for eligible people, often linked to Pension Credit
How to Find Out Exactly What You Can Claim
You can use free, anonymous benefits calculators online to get an estimate of what you might be entitled to based on your specific situation. Examples include:
- GOV.UK Benefits Calculator
- Turn2us Benefits Calculator
- MoneySavingExpert Benefits Calculator
- Citizens Advice benefits checker
- EntitledTo Benefits Calculator
These tools ask about your income, savings, health, family, and work status to give tailored results. In summary, the benefits you can claim vary widely depending on your circumstances, but common types include Universal Credit, disability benefits, pensions, and support for carers or families. Using an online benefits calculator is the best way to identify your entitlements accurately
