Find out about the benefits available to help you make ends meet
It’s important to make sure you get all the help you are entitled to. You may be able to claim benefits if you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an older person or a veteran.
Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs.
To claim you must:
You can use our benefits calculator to check what benefits you could get.
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. Most people of working age now claim for help with their housing costs as part of a claim for Universal Credit but you can make a claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:
If your rent is not met in full by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and you are finding it difficult to pay, you can apply for extra help with a Discretionary Housing Payment. It doesn't matter if you're renting from a housing association or a private landlord.
If you are on a low income, you can apply for Council Tax Support to help pay your Council Tax. You can claim Council Tax Support whether you are employed or unemployed. Homeowners can also get this help, regardless of the value of your home
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. Pension Credit is separate from your state pension.
You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled or responsible for a child or young person.
You can use the Pension Credit calculator to find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
You can apply for Pension Credit online: www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
If you're a private tenant renting a property or a room from a private landlord and you're on a low income, you may be able to get a Local Housing Allowance when you apply for Housing Benefit. It is based on the area the you live, number of occupiers in the property and household size.
You may be eligible for a Budgeting Loan if you’ve been on certain benefits for six months. This can be used for household items, rent in advance and travelling costs.
A Budgeting Loan is interest free so you only pay back what you borrow. The repayments will be taken automatically from your benefits. The amount you repay is based on your income - including any benefits you receive - and what you can afford. You normally have to repay the loan within two years.