The main benefits available in England. Each page links to the official guidance and shows when we last checked the figures.
Department for Work and Pensions
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you are over State Pension age and have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. It is paid at two rates, depending on the level of care you need.
Department for Work and Pensions
Carer’s Allowance is a weekly payment if you spend a set number of hours each week caring for someone who gets certain disability benefits. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
HM Revenue & Customs
Child Benefit is paid to people responsible for bringing up a child, including an older child who stays in approved education or training. If you or your partner earn above a set level, you may have to pay some or all of it back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Local authority
Council Tax Reduction lowers your council tax bill if you are on a low income or get certain benefits. Each council runs its own scheme, so you apply to your local council and the rules depend on where you live.
Department for Work and Pensions
Disability Living Allowance for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a disabled child who has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age without a disability.
Department for Education
Your child may get free school meals if you get certain benefits, such as Universal Credit. You apply through your local council. All infant-school pupils at state schools in England get free school meals.
NHS Business Services Authority
Healthy Start helps if you are pregnant or have a young child and get certain benefits. You get a prepaid card to spend on milk, fruit, vegetables, pulses and infant formula, and you can get free vitamins.
Department for Work and Pensions
Housing Benefit helps with rent if you are on a low income. Most people can no longer make a new claim and should claim Universal Credit instead; new claims are mainly for people over State Pension age or living in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.
Department for Work and Pensions
New Style Employment and Support Allowance gives you money for living costs if a disability or health condition affects how much you can work, and support to get back into work if you are able to. You can apply if you are employed, self-employed or unemployed.
Department for Work and Pensions
New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance helps you while you look for work, based on the National Insurance contributions you have paid. You can get it on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit.
Department for Work and Pensions
Pension Credit gives you extra money for living costs if you are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also help with some housing costs, and you can get it even if you have savings or own your home.
Department for Work and Pensions
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and find everyday tasks or getting around difficult. It has a daily living part and a mobility part, and you can get it while working.
Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs if you are on a low income, out of work or cannot work. It is replacing older benefits such as Housing Benefit and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off discount off your electricity bill in winter. If you are eligible your supplier applies it to your bill, usually automatically; the money is not paid to you.
Department for Work and Pensions
Winter Fuel Payment is money to help with heating bills in winter for people above a set age. Most people get it automatically, and it is taken back through tax if your total income is above a set level.