Benefits
Complete Guide to UK Benefits 2026
Everything you need to know about benefits and entitlements in the UK. What you can claim, how to apply, and maximising your entitlements.
24 March 2026
·
5 min read
This guide covers the main benefits available in the UK and helps you understand what you might be entitled to.
Benefits Overview
Main Categories
Category
Examples
Means-tested Universal Credit, Pension Credit
Contributory State Pension, Contribution-based JSA
Disability PIP, Attendance Allowance
Family Child Benefit, Maternity Pay
Housing Housing element of UC, Discretionary Housing Payments
Carer Carer’s Allowance
Universal Credit
The main working-age benefit, replacing six older benefits.
Who Can Claim
Eligible If
Details
Aged 18+
(Some 16-17 year olds)
Under State Pension age
Both if couple
In the UK
Resident
Not in education
Exceptions apply
Savings under £16,000
£6,000+ affects amount
What UC Replaces
Old Benefit
Now Part of UC
Income-based JSA
✓
Income-related ESA
✓
Income Support
✓
Housing Benefit
✓ (working age)
Child Tax Credit
✓
Working Tax Credit
✓
UC Rates (2024-25)
Who
Monthly
Single under 25
£311.68
Single 25+
£393.45
Couple (both under 25)
£489.23
Couple (one or both 25+)
£617.60
Additional Elements
Element
Monthly
First child
£333.33
Additional children
£287.92
Limited capability for work
£416.19
Carer element
£198.31
Childcare (up to 85%)
Varies
Housing
Actual rent (limits apply)
Full guide: How to Apply for Universal Credit
Disability Benefits
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For people with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
Component
Standard
Enhanced
Daily Living
£72.65/week
£108.55/week
Mobility
£28.70/week
£75.75/week
Key Facts
Details
Age
16 to State Pension age
Not means-tested
Income doesn’t matter
Not taxable
Keep it all
Based on
How condition affects you
Our guides:
Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help.
Rate
Weekly
Lower
£72.65
Higher
£108.55
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
For children under 16 with disabilities.
Full guide: Disability Benefits Guide
Benefits for Families
Child Benefit
Rate
Weekly
First child
£25.60
Additional children
£16.95 each
Key Facts
Details
Universal
Regardless of income
High Income Charge
If earning over £60,000
Claim anyway
Protects NI record
Full guide: Child Benefit Guide
Maternity and Paternity
Payment
Amount
Duration
Statutory Maternity Pay
90% then £184.03/week
Up to 39 weeks
Statutory Paternity Pay
£184.03/week
2 weeks
Maternity Allowance
Up to £184.03/week
39 weeks
Our guides:
Childcare Support
Scheme
Help
Tax-Free Childcare
20% top-up (max £2,000/child/year)
15 hours free
All 3-4 year olds
30 hours free
Working parents, 3-4 year olds
UC childcare element
Up to 85% of costs
Full guide: Tax-Free Childcare Guide
Carer’s Allowance
For people caring for someone with substantial needs.
Rate
£81.90/week
Hours caring
35+ per week
Person cared for
Gets qualifying benefit
Earnings limit
£151/week (after deductions)
Full guide: Carer’s Allowance Guide
Housing Support
Within Universal Credit
What
Details
Housing element
Help with rent
Based on
Local Housing Allowance
For
Private renters
Social rent
Actual rent (usually)
Council Tax Reduction
| What | Up to 100% off council tax |
| Who | Low income households |
| Apply | Through local council |
Full guide: Council Tax Reduction Guide
Housing Benefit
Status
Details
Being replaced
By UC housing element
Still exists
For pension-age claimants
Legacy
Some still receive
Full guide: Housing Benefit Guide
State Pension
Current Rates
Type
Weekly
New State Pension (full)
£221.20
Basic State Pension (full)
£169.50
Qualifying
Requirement
Details
NI years needed
35 for full new pension
Minimum years
10 for any pension
State Pension age
Currently 66, rising to 67
Full guide: State Pension Guide
Pension Credit
Tops up income for pensioners.
Type
Purpose
Guarantee Credit
Tops up to minimum
Savings Credit
Rewards savings (older claimants)
Full guide: Pension Credit Guide
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
| Rate | £116.75/week |
| Duration | Up to 28 weeks |
| Eligibility | Employees earning £123+/week |
Full guide: Statutory Sick Pay Guide
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
For those who can’t work due to illness/disability and don’t qualify for UC.
Bereavement Benefits
Benefit
For
Bereavement Support Payment
Widow/ers under State Pension age
Funeral Expenses Payment
Help with funeral costs
Full guide: Bereavement Benefits Guide
How to Check Your Entitlements
Benefits Calculators
Calculator
Website
Entitled To
entitledto.co.uk
Turn2us
turn2us.org.uk
Policy in Practice
betteroffcalculator.co.uk
When to Check
Life Event
May Affect Benefits
Lost job
UC, JSA
Had baby
Child Benefit, UC
Health changed
PIP, ESA
Separated
UC, Tax Credits
Retired
State Pension, Pension Credit
Caring for someone
Carer’s Allowance
Moved home
Housing element, Council Tax
Benefit Cap
Limit
Details
£22,020/year
Couples and lone parents (outside London)
£25,323/year
Couples and lone parents (London)
£14,753/year
Single people (outside London)
£16,967/year
Single people (London)
Full guide: Benefit Cap Explained
Applying for Benefits
General Process
Step
Action
1
Use calculator to check entitlement
2
Gather documents
3
Apply (usually online)
4
Attend any assessments
5
Provide evidence if requested
6
Receive decision
7
Challenge if wrong
If You’re Turned Down
Step
Action
1
Request mandatory reconsideration
2
Provide additional evidence
3
Appeal to tribunal if still refused
4
Get help from Citizens Advice
Quick Reference: All Benefit Guides
Main Benefits
Family Benefits
Benefit
Guide
Maternity Pay
Guide
Paternity Pay
Guide
Tax-Free Childcare
Guide
Housing
Benefit
Guide
Housing Benefit
Guide
Council Tax Reduction
Guide
Health & Disability
Other
Getting Help
Service
Contact
Citizens Advice
citizensadvice.org.uk
Turn2us
turn2us.org.uk
Gov.uk
gov.uk/browse/benefits
Local welfare assistance
Your council
Benefits rules change frequently. Always check current rates and rules on gov.uk or use an up-to-date calculator. If you’re struggling, seek free advice — many people miss out on thousands of pounds they’re entitled to.