Benefits
The benefits system is designed to make sure that there is a minimum standard of living for everyone and My Advice Gateway provides information on how benefits are claimed and paid.
Details of planned changes to the benefit system can be found at here.
An A-Z of the Benefits System is available from GOV.UK and further information is available at CitizensAdvice, Turn2us, AgeUK and MoneyHelper.
Benefits categories
- All
- Benefits
- Bereavement
- Family and Children
- Pensions
- Sick or disabled
- All
- Benefits
- Bereavement
- Family and Children
- Pensions
- Sick or disabled
BENEFIT CHANGES TIMETABLE
Planned changes to the benefits system. This guide is updated every two months.
STATE PENSION
The State Pension gives you a regular income for the rest of your life. You can claim it when you reach State Pension age. However, you need to have paid enough National Insurance contributions in order to be paid the full State Pension.
CHILD BENEFIT
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment that is paid to most people with children. You are eligible if your child is under 16, or a young person under 20 if they are still in full-time education up to A Level equivalent or on certain approved training courses.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT PAYMENT
If your husband, wife or civil partner died on or after 6 April 2017 you may be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment which has replaced Bereavement Allowance, Widowed Parents Allowance and Bereavement Payment.
STATUTORY SICK PAY
Statutory Sick Pay is money paid to you by your employer if you are sick and unable to work.
CHILD TAX CREDIT
Child Tax Credit is a payment for people with children to help with the cost of looking after them and you can receive the payment whether or not you are in work. The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances and income.
EMPLOYMENT & SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit for people who have illnesses or disabilities that make it hard for them to work
ADDITIONAL STATE PENSION (SECOND STATE PENSION)
The Additional State Pension is paid on top of the basic State Pension and is based on earnings. Known as State Second Pension (S2P) it was originally known as the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS).
WIDOWED PARENT’S ALLOWANCE
You may be eligible for Widowed Parent’s Allowance if your husband, wife or civil partner has died before 6 April 2017.
INCAPACITY BENEFIT
Incapacity Benefit has been abolished and you cannot normally make a new claim. If you cannot work because you are sick or disabled then you should claim Employment and Support Allowance instead.
PENSION CREDIT
Pension Credit provides extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. You may receive more if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or certain housing costs, such as mortgage interest payments.
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (FOR CHILDREN)
Disability Living Allowance is money for those people who have personal care needs or difficulty with walking. DLA is gradually being replaced by Personal Independent Payment and you can only make a new claim for DLA if you’re claiming for a child under 16.
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT
If you were born before July 5, 1951, then you may qualify for the tax-free Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for your heating. If you are eligible you will automatically receive Winter Fuel Payment each year.
STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY & LEAVE
If you are having a baby, you are entitled to a year of Statutory Maternity Leave – no matter how long you’ve been in your job plus you may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay.
FUNERAL PAYMENTS
If you are on a low income and need help paying for a funeral you’re arranging, you may be able to get a Funeral Payment to help with the costs.
PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is replacing Disability Living Allowance for people aged 16 or over, but under state pension age who have extra care needs or mobility needs (difficulty getting around) as a result of a disability.
TELEVISION LICENCE CONCESSIONS
In August 2020, the BBC introduced a new scheme that offers some over 75 households a free TV Licence.
STATUTORY ADOPTION PAY & LEAVE
If you are adopting a child or having a child through a surrogacy arrangement, you are entitled to a year of Statutory Adoption Leave plus you may be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay.