UK State Benefits Overview — A Guide to What You Could Be Entitled To
A comprehensive overview of UK state benefits and entitlements. From PIP and ESA to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit — find out what support is available.
Benefits information is based on current DWP and HMRC rules. Entitlements depend on your personal circumstances. For free personalised help, contact Citizens Advice or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Every year, billions of pounds in state benefits go unclaimed across the UK. Pension Credit alone has an estimated £2 billion in unclaimed entitlements annually. Whether you are on a low income, raising children, disabled, caring for someone, or approaching retirement, there is likely support available that you may not be aware of.
This guide provides an overview of the major UK benefits and entitlements, organised by who they are for.
Benefits for People on a Low Income
Benefit
What It Provides
Universal Credit
A single monthly payment replacing six legacy benefits — for people in and out of work. Based on income, savings, housing costs, and family circumstances. See our Universal Credit guide.
Council Tax Reduction
A discount on your council tax bill — up to 100% in some cases. Varies by local authority. Apply through your local council.
Free School Meals
Free meals for school-age children. Eligibility depends on your benefit status (for example, receiving UC with net earnings under £7,400/year).
Warm Home Discount
A £150 one-off discount on your electricity bill each winter. Automatically applied if you receive Pension Credit; for others, eligibility depends on your energy supplier and circumstances.
Cold Weather Payments
£25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather (below 0°C average) in your area, if you are receiving certain benefits such as Pension Credit, UC, or income-related ESA.
Benefits for Families
Benefit
What It Provides
Child Benefit
£26.05/week for your eldest child, £17.25/week for each additional child. Tax-free. See our Child Benefit guide.
Tax-Free Childcare
Government tops up your childcare payments by 25% — up to £2,000 per child per year. See our Tax-Free Childcare guide.
15 Hours Free Childcare
All 3- and 4-year-olds (and eligible 2-year-olds) get 15 hours per week of funded early education during term time.
30 Hours Free Childcare
Working families with 3- and 4-year-olds can get 30 hours per week of funded childcare during term time. Applied for through the Childcare Service.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
A one-off payment of £500 if you are on a low income and having your first child (or having a multiple birth). Claimed through Jobcentre Plus.
Benefits for People Who Are Ill or Disabled
Benefit
What It Provides
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
A non-means-tested benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age with a long-term health condition or disability affecting daily living or mobility. Two components: daily living (£72.65–£108.55/week) and mobility (£28.70–£75.75/week).
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Financial support if you cannot work due to illness or disability. New-style ESA is contribution-based; income-related ESA has been replaced by Universal Credit for new claimants.
Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help with daily living due to disability or illness. Lower rate £72.65/week, higher rate £108.55/week. Not means-tested.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Being replaced by PIP for adults, but still available for children under 16. Has care and mobility components.
Access to Work
A government grant to help pay for practical support in the workplace if you have a disability or health condition — for example, specialist equipment, a support worker, or travel costs.
Motability Scheme
Exchange the higher-rate mobility component of PIP (or DLA/War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement) for a lease car, powered wheelchair, or scooter.
Benefits for Carers
Benefit
What It Provides
Carer’s Allowance
£81.90 per week if you care for someone at least 35 hours per week and they receive a qualifying disability benefit. You must not earn more than £151 per week (after deductions).
Carer’s Credit
A National Insurance credit (not a payment) for people who care for someone at least 20 hours per week. Helps protect your State Pension entitlement.
Benefits for Older People
Benefit
What It Provides
State Pension
Your State Pension based on your NI record — up to £221.20/week (full new State Pension in 2025/26). See our State Pension guide.
Pension Credit
Tops up your weekly income to £218.15 for singles or £332.95 for couples. If you qualify, it unlocks other entitlements such as free TV licence, Council Tax Reduction, Cold Weather Payments, and help with NHS costs.
Winter Fuel Payment
£200 (born between 1944 and 1958) or £300 (born before 1944) to help with heating bills during winter. Paid automatically if you receive certain benefits. Eligibility rules have been tightened from 2024/25 — now linked to receiving Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits.
Free Bus Pass
Available to everyone over State Pension age in England (free off-peak travel on local buses). Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own schemes — some more generous.
Free TV Licence
For people aged over 75 who receive Pension Credit — the licence is paid for by the BBC.
Benefits for Job Seekers
Benefit
What It Provides
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Contribution-based JSA is available for up to 182 days if you have paid enough NI contributions in the last 2–3 years. Income-based JSA has been replaced by Universal Credit.
Benefits for Bereaved People
Benefit
What It Provides
Bereavement Support Payment
A £3,500 lump sum plus up to 18 monthly payments of £350 if your spouse or civil partner has died. Must claim within 21 months. Based on NI contributions of the deceased. Not means-tested.
How to Check What You Are Entitled To
Do not try to work it all out yourself — use a free benefits calculator: