10-minute benefits check
Find support if you're struggling financially
With the cost of living in the UK rising massively, lots of people are struggling. Luckily there's help available – and it's not just for those out of work. There's support for those earning but still struggling, plus additional help if you've got children, caring responsibilities, or a long-term health condition. Millions of people aren't claiming what they're entitled to, so it's always worth a quick check.
Over eight million households on certain benefits will get a cash boost as part of the Government's cost of living support package. See who's eligible and how much you'll get.
Benefits Calculator
In just 10 minutes know what you could be due
This free tool was built for MSE by benefits specialists Entitledto. Grab any info you've got on savings, income, pensions, and existing benefits – for you (and your partner) before you start.
- All details will be kept anonymous
- Most but not all benefits are covered
- We aim for accuracy, but see it as a ready reckoner, to see if you should investigate more with the relevant Government department.
Please complete all fields with an asterisk (*).
What benefits can I claim?
This benefits calculator is your first quick check to see if you're eligible for support. The calculator will work out if you can claim any financial help based on your income and savings, and will also flag up some (but not all) relevant non-means-tested benefits that based on the information you provide about your circumstances.
Important: What you're entitled to will depend on your exact circumstances – the calculator is only as accurate as the info you put into it.
What next?
If the calculator says that you're eligible for support, you can read more on the basics of applying [here] and find links to places that can provide support through your application journey. If you have children, caring responsibilities, or a long-term health condition, you may also want to check out the [sections below] to see if there's any additional non means-tested support that you qualify for.
If the calculator does not find any support for you based on your income, you may still be eligible for other help if you're struggling. Work through the sections below to see what you may qualify for.
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Will I qualify for benefits?
If you're struggling financially, it's likely that you'll be eligible for some sort of financial help – even if you're in work, or don't think you have a low income. The best way to see what you could claim is to use the benefits calculator. It'll take a look at your personal circumstances and suggest what help could be available.
The main thing to remember is benefits are NOT just for the unemployed. State support is designed to help those in a range of situations, from: those struggling on a low income, to new families, to those with long-standing medical conditions – so it's worth checking the [calculator] to see if you could be entitled.
Government figures show that up to seven-and-a-half million households are missing out on around £15 billion a year of means-tested benefits. That’s without including non-means-tested benefits, such as those for people with disabilities. So, if you’re in need of support it’s well worth a 10-minute check to see if you're one of them.
What does
low-income mean?
When it comes to claiming benefits, our general rule is: it's worth checking if you have a household income under £40,000 a year (particularly if you rent and have children).
Is there a maximum amount of benefits you can claim?
If you're over 16, and under state pension age, you'll usually only be able to claim a certain amount in benefits, due to the 'benefit cap'. The benefit cap is a Government limit on state support. The maximum amount you can claim depends on where in the UK you live, and your living situation.
This table shows the amounts you can claim up to each month, depending on your personal circumstances:
TABLE_CELL_STYLE | Outside London | London |
Single | £1,229.42 | £1,413.92 |
Single parent | £1,835.00 | £2,110.25 |
Couple | £1,835.00 | £2,110.25 |
If you claim certain benefits, (such as personal independence payment or carer's allowance), or you're over state pension age, you might not be affected by the benefit cap – meaning you'll be able to claim more than this amount in state support each month.
Benefits for those working and on a low income
If you're on a low-income and qualify for means-tested benefits, chances are you'll have to apply for universal credit (UC) – a monthly benefit designed to support people struggling with their living and housing costs.
However, universal credit is just one of the benefits available to support those struggling. In some cases you may be able to claim multiple benefits at the same time. Try out the [benefits calculator] and explore the links below to see what you can claim.
Unemployment benefits
The main benefit available for those out of work – either temporarily or due to a long-term health condition – is universal credit.
However, if you've lost your job recently, and are not eligible for universal credit because you received a large redundancy payment (or have too much in savings) you may be able to claim new style jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) instead.
Benefits for families
Looking after children is expensive. But luckily, there's a raft of benefits available for families of all circumstances – including child benefit which is available to anyone with dependent children under-16 and earning less than £60,000.
This section includes benefits specifically available to those looking after children. However, depending on your circumstances, you may find that you’re also eligible for some of the benefits in the other sections too.
Whether you qualify for benefits or not, there are lots of ways to get extra support with the cost of childcare. Head to our [help with childcare costs], and [family moneysaving] guides to find the right option for you.
Sickness or disability benefits
Living with a disability or long-term illness can come with a lot of additional financial pressure. There are a range of benefits available specifically for those with long term medical conditions, and those who care for them – many of which are not means-tested.
There are also specific benefits for those injured at work, during service in the army, or those over state pension age who need additional care.
Benefits for over 65s
Financial support after a death
Losing a close relative can be an incredibly difficult time emotionally and financially.
There is financial support available when someone close to you dies if you need help with the cost of funeral, and into the future.
Some benefits are being replaced
As part of the government’s efforts to make claiming benefits more streamlined, some benefits are being replaced (and some will no longer available at all).
The main ones are the six ‘legacy benefits’ being replaced by universal credit.
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
- Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
- Housing benefit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
If you’re currently claiming one of these benefits you’ll receive a letter letting you know that it’s time for you to move onto universal credit, as part of a process called “managed migration”. It’ll include instructions on how to make sure there’s no gap in support whilst you move over. The government is intending to complete this ‘managed migration’ process by the end of 2024.
You can also choose to move onto universal credit at any point – and some people will find that they are better off on universal credit than on their old benefits. But, there’s no guarantee, and if you choose to move over early, you’ll lose some of the protections that come with the ‘managed migration’ process.
Our benefits calculator can help you check whether you’ll get more or less on universal credit. Or, head to our [Should I switch to universal credit?] guide for the full breakdown of the pros and cons of switching.
Where to get free help
If you're still struggling - don't panic - there are other avenues of getting help. But the key is to check if any benefits you get offer other grants or discounts, such as free school meals, advance payments, vouchers or energy help. We've full details in our Universal Credit guide here.
You can also check Citizens Advice
If you're struggling for cash, you can go to a Citizens Advice bureau or one of the network of independent advice centres for a one-on-one detailed benefits check-up.
Our forum can provide lots of help too...
A further huge info resource is the Benefits and Tax Credits section in the MSE Forum, where a number of Citizens Advice-trained people and others voluntarily help out answering people's questions. A good place to start is the Useful Links thread. Special thanks to Fran, Alwaysonthego, Fermi and Kimitatsu for organising it.
And if you've serious money worries or debt problems...
This site lists lots of ways to help you try to cut costs, but the first place to start is our Debt problems guide. No debt problems are insoluble and this guide will help you.
If you've also got mental health problems, special solutions apply. For a full guide to handling debts when stressed, working with banks, getting free one-to-one debt counselling and tips for bipolar and depression sufferers, read our free Mental Health & Debt Help PDF booklet.
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