Help from benefits

Make sure you’re getting all the benefits you should be. It’s estimated that at least seven million people aren’t claiming the benefits they should be, and any extra income will help you pay for essential items.

There are lots of different types of benefits. Each benefit has its own set of rules. What you are entitled to will depend on your personal circumstances. It can be affected by things such as your age, household income, savings, National Insurance contribution (NIC) record and whether you are able to work.

We have listed some of the main benefits below. If you click on the relevant benefit you’ll find more information about the benefit, the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

You can do a free personalised benefits check with Turn2us in less than 10 minutes. Millions of people already have, so don’t miss out: go to Turn2us and see what you could get.

Out of work and low income

• Universal Credit is now the main benefit for people who are out of work or are on a low income. Depending on your situation, Universal Credit can also help with housing costs, the costs of raising a child and childcare costs.
• If you are looking for work, you may be able to claim New Style Jobseekers’ Allowance.
• If you have a low income or receive benefits, you may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction.

Children

If you have children from a former relationship, check you are getting the correct amount of child maintenance. You can find advice and arrange child maintenance on the GOV.UK website. If you are unable to use the website, you can speak to a Child Maintenance Service case worker on 0800 171 2345.

• If eligible, Universal Credit can help with the costs of raising a child and childcare.
• Most people with children can also claim Child Benefit.
• You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance if you need to take time off work to have a baby.
• A sure start Maternity Grant is £500 that can help with the costs of having a child if you receive certain benefits.

Ill or disabled

• Personal Independence Payments can help people aged over 16 with the costs of a long-term health condition or disability.
• If you are employed but too ill to work, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
• New Style Employment and Support Allowance can help people who do not receive Statutory Sick Pay but have limited capability to work due to illness or disability. It can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.
• If you look after someone who is ill or disabled for at least 35 hours per week, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance.

People over pension age

• You may be able to claim Pension Credit if you are over state pension age and are on a low income.
• If you are eligible for Pension Credit you will also receive a free TV Licence.

Housing costs

• Depending on your situation Universal Credit has a housing element which can help with your rent, or you may be able to claim Housing Benefit.
• If you receive certain benefits and own a property you may be able to claim Support for Mortgage Interest to help you with your mortgage costs.

Help from charitable grants

Lots of organisations have set up charitable funds that give grants if you are in financial difficulty. This is money that could help make your situation easier to manage and you do not need to pay it back.

Each organisation has its own rules for who it will help. These vary and could, for example, be based on:

• where you live;
• you, or your partner’s, current or previous job;
• whether you have any medical needs; or
• your financial situation.

Turn2us can search over 1,600 charitable grants for you. Use the Turn2us Grants Search tool to find charitable organisations that might be able to help you. Go to https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk. It takes less than five minutes on average.

See our Help from charitable organisations guide for more information along with tips on applying for a grant.

Energy and water grants

Several energy and water providers have charitable grants that can help people to pay their bills if they are in financial difficulty. Details of any grants will be on your energy supplier’s website. You can also find water and energy grants through the Turn2us grants search.

Help from government support schemes

The government had a range of support to help households with rising energy bills and living costs. These have now finished. You can find out more about the 2023 and 2024 Cost of Living Payments on the GOV.UK website.

Other government support

There are other support schemes which were already in place that may help you with paying for some of your essential items. We’ve detailed these below. If you find yourself struggling to pay your bills, buy food or need to purchase an essential item you should speak to your local council to see what help they can provide.

Household support fund (England only)

The Household Support Fund allows councils to give small grants to help vulnerable households meet essential costs, including paying for food and energy bills. Contact your local council to check if you may be eligible for support from the fund.

Welfare assistance schemes

In England, some councils have a welfare assistance scheme which can help if you are in an emergency situation. Individual councils decide on the rules for their scheme. Contact your local council to see whether they run a welfare assistance scheme and what it offers.

The government in Wales has made £25 million available to local authorities to provide support to households struggling with the rising costs of living. This discretionary fund may be able to help you with heating costs. Contact your local council for details of their scheme and how to apply.