Are you missing out on benefits?

You can check your benefit entitlement online to see if you’re missing out on extra income.

Universal Credit

If you’re unemployed or on a low income, you could be eligible for Universal Credit, a means-tested benefit to help with your basic living costs.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if:

• You’re on a low income or out of work
• You’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re aged 16-17)
• You’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)
• You and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
• You live in the UK

WARNING: If you are receiving other means-tested benefits, such as working tax credits, you need to be aware that these payments will stop when you make a claim for Universal Credit and you will not be able to return to these benefits in the future.

New Style Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)

If you’re unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week you may be able to get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you look for work. To claim, you will also need to have paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions in the last two full tax years.

New Style JSA is a fortnightly payment that can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit. If you qualify, you can get New Style JSA for up to six months.

If you qualify for both JSA and Universal Credit, the amount of JSA you receive will be considered as income for Universal Credit.

Your savings and capital (or your partner’s savings, capital and income) are not taken into account when claiming the New Style JSA. However, any earnings and any payment you are getting from a pension may affect the amount you receive.

Help with your Council Tax

Universal Credit and New Style JSA do not include Council Tax Support so you will need to make a separate claim. Council Tax Reduction can help you to pay your council tax costs if you are on a low income.