Are you missing out on benefits? Free tools to check if you’re due cash
BENEFITS are worth thousands of pounds a year – and millions of Brits could be missing out by not claiming everything they’re entitled to.
Whether you’re on a low income, living with a disability, caring for someone, or retired, there’s support available.
But the system can be a nightmare to get your head around, even if you’re usually clued-up with cash.
From Universal Credit and Pension Credit to PIP, Child Benefit and Tax Credits, there are dozens of payments out there – and many rise every April.
This year, most benefits have gone up by 6.7%, meaning you could be entitled to more than ever.
Help is available if you’re not sure where to start – and the best place is a benefits calculator.
These free online tools tell you what you could get and how much, based on your income, savings and personal circumstances.
The three most trusted ones are Policy in Practice’s Better Off Calculator, entitledto and Turn2us.
They’re designed for people on income-related benefits like Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Carer’s Allowance or Council Tax Reduction – but they also give a rough guide if you’re on contribution-based benefits.
There’s also a dedicated Pension Credit calculator, which is especially useful now the benefit unlocks help with winter fuel bills.
Calculators can show how your benefits might change if your circumstances do – for example, if you move in with a partner, have a baby or get a new job.
Before you start, make sure you’ve got info about your:
- earnings and any other income
- savings or investments
- current benefits
- rent or mortgage payments
- council tax bill
You won’t be able to use a calculator if you’re in prison, a student, on strike, not a British or Irish citizen, living abroad, or living permanently in a care home.
If you’re unsure or prefer face-to-face advice, you can contact Citizens Advice, Age UK, or another independent service.
Use advicelocal to find free help near you.
How to apply for benefits
How you apply depends on which benefit you’re claiming – some are handled by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), others by HMRC or your local council.
Universal Credit
You can apply for Universal Credit online at gov.uk.
You’ll need to create an online account and start your claim within 28 days – otherwise you’ll have to begin again.
If you don’t have internet access, you can apply over the phone by calling 0800 328 5644.
Make sure you’ve got your bank details and a form of ID – like a passport or driving licence – ready before you apply.
Pension Credit
This benefit is a lifeline for older Brits on a low income and can also unlock extra help with energy bills.
You can apply up to four months before you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66.
The easiest way is online via gov.uk, but you can also apply over the phone on 0800 99 1234.
Be sure to have your National Insurance number, details of your income, savings and investments, and your bank account info to hand.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP helps with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
You can apply online in some cases, but most people will need to start their claim by phone or post.
Call 0800 917 2222 or write to Freepost DWP PIP 1 to get the process going.
You may need to attend an assessment with a healthcare professional before a decision is made.
Full list of benefit pay rises this month
MILLIONS on benefits are set for a pay rise this month as the Government increases welfare payments.
Most benefits will rise by 1.7% this month, while the state pension has gone up by 4.1% to keep up with soaring costs of living.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed the increase, which will applies to Universal Credit, Child Benefit, PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, ESA, and more.
Exactly how much more cash you’ll get depends on your circumstances – but here’s a full list of what’s going up:
Universal Credit
Standard allowance (monthly)
- Under 25: £311.68 → £316.98
- 25 and over: £393.45 → £400.14
- Joint claimants under 25: £489.23 → £497.55
- Joint claimants 25 or over: £617.60 → £628.10
Child elements
- First child (born before April 6, 2017): £333.33 → £339
- Other children: £287.92 → £292.81
- Disabled child: £156.11 → £158.76 (lower), £487.58 → £495.87 (higher)
Carer’s element: £198.31 → £201.68
Limited capability for work: £156.11 → £158.76
Limited capability for work and work-related activity: £416.19 → £423.27
Work allowance
- Higher (no housing amount): £673 → £684
- Lower: £404 → £411
State Pension
New full state pension: £221.20 → £230.25 per week
Old basic state pension: £169.50 → £176.45
Annual increase: £11,502.40 → £11,975
Child Benefit
- Eldest child: £25.60 → £26.05
- Additional children: £16.95 → £17.25
PIP
Daily living component
- Enhanced: £108.55 → £110.40
- Standard: £72.65 → £73.90
Mobility component
- Enhanced: £75.75 → £77.05
- Standard: £28.70 → £29.20
Carer’s Allowance
- £81.90 → £83.30
Attendance Allowance
- Higher rate: £108.55 → £110.40
- Lower rate: £72.65 → £73.90
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Highest: £108.55 → £110.40
- Middle: £72.65 → £73.90
- Lowest: £28.70 → £29.20
Mobility component
- Higher: £75.75 → £77.05
- Lower: £28.70 → £29.20
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Single:
- Under 25: £71.70 → £72.90
- 25 and over: £90.50 → £92.05
- Couples: Over 18: £142.25 → £144.65
Housing Benefit
- Single under 25: £71.70 → £72.90
- Single 25 and over: £90.50 → £92.05
- Couple over 18: £142.25 → £144.65
- Child element: £83.24 → £84.66
Jobseeker’s Allowance (New Style)
- Under 25: £71.70 → £72.90
- 25 and over: £90.50 → £92.05
- Pensioners: £127.65 → £135.05
Statutory Payments
- Maternity Allowance: £184.03 → £187.18
- Parental pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, bereavement): £184.03 → £187.18
- Statutory Sick Pay: £116.75 → £118.75
Pension Credit
Guarantee Credit
- Single: £218.15 → £227.10
- Couple: £332.95 → £346.60
Savings Credit:
- Single: £17.01 → £17.30
- Couple: £19.04 → £19.36
Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- £148.40 → £150.90