Government Benefits and Entitlement in the UK

If you have fallen on difficult financial times, the government can help. The Department of Work and Pensions provides various benefits for UK residents. These benefits help residents get back on their feet.

Review the different financial benefit entitlements you may qualify below. If you identify a service that you feel you may be eligible for, save time by using a benefits calculator to see if you do qualify.

If you are in a situation that requires a cash injection, be careful when choosing a lender to borrow from as you may end up in a worst off position. Here is a list of responsible lending options here.

Attendance Allowance
If you are at least 65 years of age and mentally or physically disabled, you might be eligible for an Attendance Allowance. In order to qualify, your disability must be severe enough that you require help or supervision with your care.

There are two separate Attendance Allowanced rates. The lower rate is £55.10 a week. This is meant for people who require frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. The higher rate is £82.30 a week and is for people who are terminally ill or require help or supervision during both the day and night.

Carer’s Allowance
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone else, you might be eligible for a Carer’s Allowance. You also must be at least 16 years of age and you can’t earn more than £110 a week after taxes and care costs. Full time students are not eligible for this benefit.

The government pays eligible applicants £62.10 a week.

Child Benefit
The Child Benefit helps parents shoulder the financial burden of raising children. To be eligible, parents must have a child under the age of 16 or a child who is under the age of 20 and enrolled in approved education or training. Only one parent may apply for and claim this benefit.

The qualifying parent receives £20.70 a week for the oldest child and £13.70 a week for additional children.

Child Tax Credit
Regardless of if you are working or unemployed, you can receive a Child Tax Credit for your children as long as they are under the age of 16 or under the age of 20 and enrolled in approved education or training.

Some parents get the basic amount, known as the “family element.” It is £545 a year. In addition, you could get additional money based on certain circumstance. The most you can get is £2,780 a year per child or £3,140 a year for each disabled child. If a child is severely disabled, you can get another £1,275 a year.

Disability Living Allowance for Children
If you have a child who is under the age of 16 and has problems walking or needs more supervision than a typical child of that age, you might be eligible for the Disability Living Allowance for Children. This benefit pays out £21.80 to £139.75 a week.

The Disability Living Allowance for Children has two components, which are a care component and a mobility component. Some children qualify for one component, while others qualify for two.

Personal Independence Payment
Available for people aged 16 to 64, the Personal Independence Payment helps people manage the extra costs that come with long term health issues and disabilities. This pays out £21.80 to £139.75 a week, depending on the nature of the condition. Applicants must prove that their health problem or disability makes it difficult for them to perform tasks associated with daily living.

The benefit consists of a daily living component and a mobility component. Recipients can receive money for one or both of the components.

Housing Benefit
If you don’t make enough money to pay your rent, you might qualify for the Housing Benefit. This benefit is available to people who are unemployed, as well as those who are working. The government analyzes your eligible rent, spare bedrooms, household income, and circumstances when determining how much you will get. People can get up to £260.64 a month for a one bedroom or shared accommodation property. They can get up to £302.33 for a two bedroom, £354.46 for a three bedroom, and £417.02 for a four bedroom home.

Income Support
Income Support is available for people who make little or no income. This includes your income, as well as your partner’s income and savings. Along with income requirements, you must be between the ages of 16 and Pension Credit qualifying age and you must work less than 16 hours a week. In addition, you must be pregnant, a caregiver, or a single parent with a child under the age of 5. In some cases, without children are approved for this credit, but only when they are disabled or too sick to work.

You cannot receive this benefit if you get a Jobseeker’s Allowance or an Employment and Support Allowance.

The amount you receive is based on age and circumstances. It ranges from £57.90 a week for single people aged 16 to 24 up to £114.85 a week for couples who are both over 18.

Jobseeker’s Allowance
If you are out of work, you can apply for the Jobseeker’s Allowance benefit. In order to qualify for this benefit, you must be at least 18 years of age but below State Pension age. You also must be available for and actively seeking work. You cannot be a full time student when seeking this benefit.

Applicants can complete the application process online, but they have to come in for an interview in order to receive the benefits. During the interview, applicants must agree to take certain steps to find work. They will also go over information that will help them find a job.

The government offers two types of Jobseeker’s Allowance benefits. You can get Contribution-based JSA or an Income-based JSA. The Contribution-based JSA is available for people who have met the minimum Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the previous two tax years, while Income-based JSA is available for people who meet minimum income requirements.

People who are aged 18 to 24 can receive up to £57.90. Those who are 25 and over can get up to £73.10. Couples can get up to 114.85 for an Income-Based JSA.

You can apply for these benefits online or in person. If you have fallen on hard times, do not be afraid to submit your application. The benefit can help you turn your life around, whether you are looking for work or caring for a loved one. Visit the gov.uk site to see a complete list of benefits.