UK benefits: what you might be able to claim

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

£30 a week, if you meet the attendance terms of your learning agreement.

A weekly payment for young people from lower-income households who stay on in school or non-advanced college courses.

Who can get it

Young people aged 16 to 19 who have reached school leaving age, live in Scotland and are in full-time school, non-advanced college or an agreed council plan. Household income must be no more than £24,421 (one dependent child) or £26,884 (more than one).

How to get it

Apply to your local council (school pupils) or your college each academic year.

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Your local council or college

EMA no longer exists in England, so it is Scotland-only compared with England. You must sign a learning agreement.

Source Apply for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Make the Call benefit entitlement check (Northern Ireland)

Free check

A free Department for Communities service that checks which benefits, support and services you may be entitled to and helps you claim them.

Who can get it

Anyone in Northern Ireland, including people of working age, pensioners, carers and people with a disability. You can also call on behalf of someone you care for.

How to get it

Call Make the Call on 0800 232 1271, or use the online form to ask the team to contact you.

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Department for Communities (Make the Call)

A free advice and benefit-check phone service, not a payment.

Source Unclaimed benefits? Make the call | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Universal Credit

Standard allowance: £424.90 a month (single, 25 or over), £338.58 (single, under 25), £666.97 (couple, either 25 or over), £528.34 (couple, both under 25)

A monthly payment to help with living costs if you're on a low income or out of work, with extra amounts for children, housing, disability, caring and childcare.

Who can get it

People of working age on a low income, whether in or out of work. You and your partner's income and savings are taken into account.

How to get it

Apply online through a Universal Credit account.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Monthly extras: child element £303.94 per child (plus £47.94 for a first child born before 6 April 2017; two-child limit removed from 6 April 2026); disabled child £164.79 or £514.71; health element (LCWRA) £429.80 for severe conditions, terminal illness or health conditions reported before 6 April 2026, otherwise £217.26 for new claims; carer £209.34; childcare costs up to £1,071.09 (1 child) or £1,836.16 (2 or more). Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Universal Credit: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Universal Credit (Northern Ireland)

Standard allowance a month (2026 to 2027): single under 25 £338.58, single 25 or over £424.90, couple both under 25 £528.34, couple one or both 25 or over £666.97, plus extra elements

A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income or out of work. In Northern Ireland it is paid in two instalments each month.

Who can get it

People aged 18 to State Pension age who live in Northern Ireland and have a low income or no work, whether they are working or not. Couples claim together.

How to get it

Apply online, then contact the Universal Credit Service Centre on 0800 012 1331 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) or go to your local Jobs & Benefits office.

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Department for Communities (Universal Credit Service Centre)

Differs from Great Britain: it is paid twice a month by default, not once a month. The housing costs part goes straight to your landlord by default for private and social tenants, though you can ask for it to be paid to you if you meet certain conditions. The household payment can be split between partners. Universal Credit does not cover domestic rates, so you apply to the Rate Rebate scheme separately. LHA rents for 2026 to 2027 stay at their 2025 to 2026 levels. The Department for Communities runs it, not DWP.

Source How much Universal Credit you get and how you're paid | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Adult Disability Payment

Daily living: £76.70 a week (standard) or £114.60 a week (enhanced). Mobility: £30.30 a week (standard) or £80.00 a week (enhanced).

A payment to help with the extra costs of a disability, long-term health condition or terminal illness. It replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland.

Who can get it

People aged between 16 and State Pension age who live in Scotland and have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition or terminal illness. You can apply while waiting for a diagnosis, and it does not matter whether you work.

How to get it

Apply to Social Security Scotland online, by phone or on a paper form.

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Social Security Scotland

People who are terminally ill get the enhanced daily living rate automatically. If you get the enhanced mobility rate you can apply to lease an accessible vehicle.

Source Adult Disability Payment - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Attendance Allowance

£76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) a week

A tax-free payment to help with extra care costs if you're over State Pension age and have a disability or health condition.

Who can get it

People of State Pension age or older who need frequent help or supervision because of a physical or mental disability or illness. It does not cover mobility needs and you do not need a carer to claim.

How to get it

Fill in the Attendance Allowance claim form (online or by post) and send it to DWP.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Scotland: replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment (Social Security Scotland). Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Attendance Allowance: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Attendance Allowance (Northern Ireland)

£76.70 a week (lower rate) or £114.60 a week (higher rate)

A weekly payment for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability.

Who can get it

People in Northern Ireland who are State Pension age or over and have needed help with personal care, or supervision to stay safe, for six months. It does not depend on your income.

How to get it

Apply online, download the claim form, or call the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912 for a claim pack.

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Department for Communities (Disability and Carers Service)

Differs from Great Britain in who runs it: the Department for Communities' Disability and Carers Service handles it, not DWP. The rules and rates match GB. Scotland has replaced it with Pension Age Disability Payment, but NI has kept Attendance Allowance. Claims usually take about 30 working days.

Source Attendance Allowance | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Child Disability Payment

Care: £30.30 (lowest), £76.70 (middle) or £114.60 (highest) a week. Mobility: £30.30 (lower) or £80.00 (higher) a week.

A payment to help with the extra costs a disabled child may have. It replaces Disability Living Allowance for children in Scotland.

Who can get it

A parent or guardian of a child under 16 who lives in Scotland and has a disability or health condition. The child does not need a diagnosis.

How to get it

Apply to Social Security Scotland online, by phone or by post.

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Social Security Scotland

The care part can be paid from 3 months old. The higher mobility rate can be paid from age 3 and the lower mobility rate from age 5. You cannot get this and DLA for children at the same time.

Source Child Disability Payment - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Daily living: £76.70 (standard) or £114.60 (enhanced) a week. Mobility: £30.30 (standard) or £80.00 (enhanced) a week

A tax-free payment to help with extra costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

Who can get it

People aged 16 to State Pension age who have difficulty with daily living tasks or getting around because of a condition expected to last at least 12 months. Income and savings do not matter, and you can be working.

How to get it

Start a claim by phone with DWP (or by post), then fill in a 'How your disability affects you' form and usually have an assessment.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Scotland: apply for Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland instead. Northern Ireland: PIP is run by the Department for Communities.

Source Personal Independence Payment (PIP): How much you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (Northern Ireland)

A week (2026 to 2027): daily living £76.70 (standard) or £114.60 (enhanced); mobility £30.30 (standard) or £80.00 (enhanced)

A weekly payment to help with the extra costs of a long-term illness or disability. It has a daily living part and a mobility part.

Who can get it

People aged 16 to State Pension age who live in Northern Ireland and need help with daily living or getting around because of a long-term condition. It does not depend on your income or whether you work.

How to get it

Call the PIP Centre on 0800 587 0932 to start your claim, or ask for a paper form by post. A video relay service is available for BSL and ISL users.

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Department for Communities (PIP Centre)

Differs from Great Britain: the Department for Communities runs PIP through its own PIP Centre, not DWP. People in NI who were worse off after moving from DLA to PIP may be able to get Welfare Supplementary Payments (covered separately). The rates are the same as in GB.

Source Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Carer Additional Person Payment

£10.40 a week for each additional person you care for.

An extra weekly amount for carers who look after more than one person.

Who can get it

People who get Carer Support Payment and also care for at least one more person who gets a qualifying benefit, for 20 hours or more a week.

How to get it

Ask Social Security Scotland about it alongside your Carer Support Payment.

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Social Security Scotland

It is paid together with Carer Support Payment in one payment every 4 weeks.

Source Who can apply for Carer Support Payment - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Carer Support Payment

Up to £86.45 a week.

A payment for people who provide unpaid care. It replaces Carer's Allowance in Scotland.

Who can get it

People aged 16 or over who care for someone getting a qualifying disability benefit for 35 hours or more a week. If you work, your take-home pay must be £204 a week or less.

How to get it

Apply to Social Security Scotland online, by phone or on a paper form.

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Social Security Scotland

You may get less if you get certain other benefits, such as State Pension. It is paid every 4 weeks. There are separate rules for students.

Source Carer Support Payment - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Carer's Allowance

£86.45 a week (earnings limit £204 a week)

A weekly payment if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week.

Who can get it

Carers looking after someone for 35 hours a week or more who gets a qualifying disability benefit (such as PIP daily living, DLA middle or highest care, Attendance Allowance or AFIP), and who earn £204 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

How to get it

Apply online on GOV.UK or by post with the claim form.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Not means-tested on savings, but there is an earnings limit. Scotland: replaced by Carer Support Payment (Social Security Scotland). Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Carer's Allowance: Eligibility - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Carer's Allowance (Northern Ireland)

£86.45 a week

A weekly payment for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability.

Who can get it

Carers in Northern Ireland who look after someone getting a qualifying disability benefit for at least 35 hours a week. Your earnings must be £204 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

How to get it

Apply online or on form DS700 (DS700(SP) if you are over State Pension age), or call the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912.

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Department for Communities (Disability and Carers Service)

Differs from Great Britain in who runs it: the Department for Communities' Disability and Carers Service handles it, not the DWP Carer's Allowance Unit. The rate and rules match GB. The nidirect page lists no NI-only carer top-up. Scotland has replaced Carer's Allowance with Carer Support Payment, but NI still uses Carer's Allowance.

Source Carer's Allowance | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Carer's Allowance Supplement

£304.65 in June 2026 and £304.65 in December 2026.

A payment made twice a year to the small number of carers in Scotland who still get Carer's Allowance rather than Carer Support Payment.

Who can get it

Carers in Scotland who still get Carer's Allowance, for example some people living abroad and people who were 65 or over in 2002 and still get Carer's Allowance. You must not be getting Scottish Carer Supplement.

How to get it

You do not need to apply: it is paid automatically if you get Carer's Allowance on the qualifying date.

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Social Security Scotland

Most carers now get Scottish Carer Supplement instead. The qualifying dates are 13 April 2026 (June payment) and 12 October 2026 (December payment). It may increase the income tax you pay.

Source Carer's Allowance Supplement - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Scottish Carer Supplement

£11.70 a week (£46.80 every 4 weeks, about £609 a year).

An extra weekly payment for carers on top of Carer Support Payment. It replaced the twice-yearly Carer's Allowance Supplement for most carers from March 2026.

Who can get it

Everyone who gets Carer Support Payment. It is paid automatically.

How to get it

You do not need to apply: it is paid automatically with Carer Support Payment.

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Social Security Scotland

It does not affect other benefits. You cannot get it and Carer's Allowance Supplement at the same time.

Source Scottish Carer Supplement - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Best Start Foods

£22.40 every 4 weeks in pregnancy, £44.80 every 4 weeks for each child from birth to age 1, and £22.40 every 4 weeks for each child aged 1 to 3.

A prepaid card, topped up every 4 weeks, to buy healthy food during pregnancy and until a child turns 3.

Who can get it

People in Scotland who are pregnant or have a child under 3 and get a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit. Parents under 18 do not need to be on benefits.

How to get it

Apply to Social Security Scotland online, by phone or on a paper form.

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Social Security Scotland

It replaces Healthy Start in Scotland. There are Universal Credit income limits, which the page does not give, so ask Social Security Scotland. Some 18 and 19 year olds also qualify.

Source Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Child Benefit

£27.05 a week for the eldest or only child; £17.90 a week for each additional child

A regular payment to anyone responsible for bringing up a child.

Who can get it

Parents or carers responsible for bringing up a child. Anyone can claim, but a tax charge applies if you or your partner have adjusted net income over £60,000.

How to get it

Claim online or with form CH2 to HMRC.

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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

High Income Child Benefit Charge: you repay 1% for every £200 of adjusted net income over £60,000, and all of it at £80,000 or more (see gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-charge). Claiming still protects National Insurance credits.

Source Child Benefit: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

Care: £30.30, £76.70 or £114.60 a week. Mobility: £30.30 or £80.00 a week

A tax-free payment to help with the extra costs of looking after a disabled child.

Who can get it

Parents or carers of a child under 16 who needs much more care or supervision than other children of the same age, or has walking difficulties.

How to get it

Fill in the DLA for children claim form (DLA1A) and send it to DWP.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Scotland: apply for Child Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland instead. Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: DLA rates for children - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Disability Living Allowance for children (Northern Ireland)

A week: care £30.30 (lowest), £76.70 (middle) or £114.60 (highest); mobility £30.30 (lower) or £80.00 (higher)

A weekly payment to help with the extra costs of looking after a child with a disability or health condition.

Who can get it

Children under 16 in Northern Ireland who need much more care or supervision than other children their age, or who have difficulty getting around. A parent or carer usually claims for them.

How to get it

Download form DLA1 or ask for one from the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912 (or dcs.forms@dfcni.gov.uk), then send it to them or to a Jobs and Benefits office.

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Department for Communities (Disability and Carers Service)

Differs from Great Britain in who runs it: the Department for Communities handles it, not DWP. The rates match GB. Scotland has replaced it with Child Disability Payment, but NI still uses DLA for children.

Source Disability Living Allowance for children | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Guardian's Allowance

£22.95 a week per child

A tax-free payment if you're bringing up a child whose parents have died.

Who can get it

People getting Child Benefit for a child whose parents have both died (or in some cases one has died and the other is missing or in prison).

How to get it

Claim with form BG1 to HMRC (after or alongside a Child Benefit claim).

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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Paid on top of Child Benefit; not counted as income for Universal Credit and not included in the benefit cap.

Source Guardian's Allowance: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Maternity Allowance

£194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for up to 39 weeks; £27 a week in some cases

A payment for pregnant women and new mothers who cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay.

Who can get it

Employed or self-employed women who recently worked but do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, and some who help unpaid in a spouse's or civil partner's business.

How to get it

Fill in the Maternity Allowance claim form (MA1) online or by post.

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Jobcentre Plus (DWP)

Self-employed women get between £27 and £194.32 a week depending on Class 2 National Insurance. Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Maternity Allowance: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Scottish Child Payment

£28.20 a week for each child under 16.

A weekly payment for each child under 16 in low-income families.

Who can get it

Parents or carers in Scotland who look after a child under 16 and get a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit or income-based JSA (or Pension Credit, Income Support or income-related ESA). Child Benefit on its own does not count.

How to get it

Apply to Social Security Scotland online, by phone or on a paper form.

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Social Security Scotland

It is paid every 4 weeks and does not affect other benefits. The Scottish Budget has announced £40 a week for babies under 1 from 2027-28, with the start date still to be confirmed. That rate is not in place yet.

Source Scottish Child Payment - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)

90% of average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 or 90% (whichever is lower) for 33 weeks

Pay from your employer while you're on adoption leave.

Who can get it

Employees adopting a child (or having a child through surrogacy) who meet the service and earnings conditions (earning at least £129 a week on average).

How to get it

Tell your employer after you are matched with a child and give proof of the adoption.

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Your employer (rules set by HMRC)

Source Adoption pay and leave: Pay - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

90% of average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 or 90% (whichever is lower) for 33 weeks

Pay from your employer while you're on maternity leave.

Who can get it

Employees who have worked for the same employer long enough and earn at least £129 a week on average before tax (2026 to 2027 threshold).

How to get it

Tell your employer about your pregnancy and when you want your pay to start, and give proof of pregnancy (usually form MATB1).

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Your employer (rules set by HMRC)

If you do not qualify, you may get Maternity Allowance instead. Earnings threshold from the DWP 'Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027' table.

Source Maternity pay and leave: Pay - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Statutory Neonatal Care Pay

£194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), for up to 12 weeks

Pay from your employer while your newborn baby is in neonatal care.

Who can get it

Employed parents of a baby born on or after 6 April 2025 who needs neonatal care for 7 days or more in a row, and who meet the service and earnings conditions.

How to get it

Tell your employer about the neonatal care and when you want to take the leave.

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Your employer (rules set by HMRC)

The £194.32 rate is from the DWP 2026 to 2027 rates table; the GOV.UK guide page still showed the 2025 to 2026 rate (£187.18) when checked. Not available in Northern Ireland as of May 2025 (no NI legislation).

Source Neonatal Care Pay and Leave: What you can get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)

£194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower)

Pay from your employer while you take paternity leave after a birth or adoption.

Who can get it

Employees who are the baby's father, the mother's partner, or an adopter's partner, and who meet the service and earnings conditions (earning at least £129 a week on average).

How to get it

Tell your employer before the leave starts, using their form or HMRC's paternity pay form.

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Your employer (rules set by HMRC)

In Great Britain paternity leave became a day-one right from 6 April 2026, but pay still depends on meeting the pay conditions.

Source Paternity pay and leave: Pay - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP)

£194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), up to 37 weeks shared

Pay that parents can share between them when they end maternity or adoption leave or pay early.

Who can get it

Parents or adopters who share responsibility for a child and meet the work and earnings conditions (both parents' circumstances count).

How to get it

Give your employer written notice of your entitlement and when you want to take the leave.

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Your employer (rules set by HMRC)

Source Shared Parental Leave and Pay: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Council Tax Reduction

Varies by council; up to 100% off your bill

A reduction in your Council Tax bill if you're on a low income or get benefits.

Who can get it

People on a low income or claiming benefits, whether they own or rent their home and whether they are working or not. Each council runs its own scheme for working-age people.

How to get it

Apply to your local council.

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Local council

A reduction to your bill, not a cash payment. Scotland has its own scheme (listed separately). Northern Ireland has domestic rates instead, with help through Housing Benefit and Rate Rebate.

Source Apply for Council Tax Reduction - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Council Tax Reduction (Scotland)

Up to 100% of your Council Tax bill.

Money off your Council Tax bill if you are on a low income, under the Scottish Government's own Council Tax Reduction scheme.

Who can get it

People on a low income who pay Council Tax in Scotland, whether they work or not. The council looks at your household's income and savings, and whether anyone has children or a disability.

How to get it

Apply to your local council.

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Your local council

The amount depends on your circumstances. The source does not give the savings limit or other thresholds, so check with your council.

Source Council Tax discounts, exemptions and reductions - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Discretionary Housing Payment (Scotland, including bedroom tax mitigation)

Varies. The bedroom tax is fully mitigated, and other shortfalls are decided by the council.

Extra help from your council when Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element does not cover your full rent. In Scotland it is used to fully cover the bedroom tax.

Who can get it

People renting in Scotland who get Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element and have a shortfall in rent, for example because of the bedroom tax or the benefit cap.

How to get it

Apply to your local council.

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Your local council

Each council runs its own scheme and decides how long payments last. The Scottish Government says the benefit cap is mitigated 'as far as possible', not fully.

Source Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Housing Benefit

Varies with your rent, income and household (pension-age personal allowance used in the calculation: £256.00 a week single, £383.35 couple)

Help paying your rent if you're on a low income and over State Pension age or living in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.

Who can get it

New claims only if you have reached State Pension age (or your couple qualifies), or you live in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation such as a refuge or council-arranged B&B. Most working-age people claim Universal Credit instead.

How to get it

Apply through your local council, or as part of a Pension Credit claim.

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Local council (DWP benefit)

DWP said general working-age Housing Benefit would close by the end of summer 2026 after the move to Universal Credit; it stays for temporary and supported accommodation. Northern Ireland: run by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Source Housing Benefit: Eligibility - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Housing Benefit, including help with rates (Northern Ireland)

Amount varies

Help with rent and domestic rates for people on a low income. Home owners can also get help with their rates.

Who can get it

New claims are mainly for people in Northern Ireland who have reached State Pension age, or who are in certain types of housing such as temporary accommodation. Most people of working age have to claim Universal Credit instead.

How to get it

Apply online through the Housing Executive (available 24 hours a day), call 03448 920 902, or get a form from any Housing Executive office.

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Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Differs from Great Britain: the Housing Executive runs it, not local councils. In NI, Housing Benefit also covers domestic rates, so tenants can claim help with rent and rates together. Owner-occupiers can claim Housing Benefit for their rates only, and it is credited to their rate account (GB uses separate Council Tax Reduction schemes instead). The amount depends on rent, rates, income and household. LHA rents for 2026 to 2027 are frozen at 2025 to 2026 levels.

Source The Housing Executive - About Housing Benefit · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loan

Loan covering interest on up to £200,000 of your mortgage (£100,000 if on Pension Credit), worked out at a set rate (currently 3.66%)

A loan to help pay the interest on your mortgage if you get certain income-related benefits.

Who can get it

Homeowners getting Universal Credit (after 3 months in a row), Pension Credit (straight away) or income-related ESA or JSA (after 39 weeks).

How to get it

DWP contacts you once you qualify on a benefit; you then agree to the loan offer.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

This is a loan, not a benefit: you repay it with interest when you sell or transfer your home. Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI): What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Up to £75.65 (under 25) or £95.55 (25 or over) a week during assessment; up to £95.55 (work-related activity group) or £145.90 (support group) a week after

A contribution-based payment if a disability or health condition affects how much you can work.

Who can get it

People under State Pension age with a health condition or disability who have paid (or been credited with) enough National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years. Savings and a partner's income do not count.

How to get it

Apply online on GOV.UK or by phone to the Jobcentre Plus new claims line.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Can be claimed alongside Universal Credit. Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Up to £75.65 (under 25) or £95.55 (25 or over) a week, for up to 182 days

A contribution-based fortnightly payment while you look for work.

Who can get it

People aged 18 to State Pension age who have worked as an employee and paid enough Class 1 National Insurance, usually in the last 2 to 3 years, and work under 16 hours a week. Savings and a partner's income do not count.

How to get it

Apply online with the Apply for New Style JSA service, then attend a Jobcentre interview if invited.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA): How it works - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

£123.25 a week or 80% of normal weekly earnings (whichever is lower), for up to 28 weeks

Pay from your employer when you're too ill to work.

Who can get it

Employees who are off sick. From 6 April 2026 it is paid from the first day of sickness (no waiting days) and low earners are covered through the 80% of earnings rule.

How to get it

Tell your employer you're off sick within their deadline; they may ask for a fit note if you're off for longer.

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Your employer (rules set by HMRC)

Northern Ireland made the same changes (day-one SSP, no lower earnings limit, 80% rule) from April 2026 under its own law.

Source Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Basic State Pension

Full rate £184.90 a week

The older State Pension for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.

Who can get it

Men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953. Younger people get the new State Pension instead.

How to get it

Claim online, by phone or by post (for example if you deferred it); most people already receive it.

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The Pension Service (DWP)

Only for people above the birth-date cut-offs, so no new generations join it. Category B (spouse-based) and Category D (over 80) rate is £110.75 a week. Northern Ireland: Department for Communities.

Source The basic State Pension: How much you get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

New State Pension

Full rate £241.30 a week

A regular payment from the government once you reach State Pension age, based on your National Insurance record.

Who can get it

Men born on or after 6 April 1951 and women born on or after 6 April 1953 who have reached State Pension age and have enough qualifying years of National Insurance.

How to get it

Claim online, by phone or by post once you get your invitation letter near State Pension age; it is not paid automatically.

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The Pension Service (DWP)

You may get more or less than the full rate depending on your National Insurance record. Northern Ireland: claimed through the Northern Ireland Pension Centre (Department for Communities).

Source The new State Pension: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Pension Age Disability Payment

£76.70 a week (lower rate) or £114.60 a week (higher rate).

A payment for people over State Pension age who need help or supervision because of a disability or long-term health condition. It replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland.

Who can get it

People in Scotland who have reached State Pension age and have care needs because of a disability or long-term health condition. You do not need to have a carer to qualify.

How to get it

Apply to Social Security Scotland online, by phone or on a paper form.

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Social Security Scotland

There is no mobility part. People who are terminally ill get the higher rate automatically. People who were getting Attendance Allowance were moved across automatically.

Source Pension Age Disability Payment - mygov.scot · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)

Tops up income to £238.00 a week (single) or £363.25 a week (couple)

Tops up your weekly income to a minimum level if you're over State Pension age and on a low income.

Who can get it

People who have reached State Pension age (both partners in a couple, in most cases) whose income is below the guarantee level. It also unlocks other help such as Housing Benefit and council tax support.

How to get it

Apply online, by phone to the Pension Credit claim line, or by post.

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The Pension Service (DWP)

Extra amounts may be added for severe disability (£86.05 a week), caring (£48.15 a week) or some children. Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Pension Credit: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Pension Credit (Northern Ireland)

Guarantee Credit tops up weekly income to £238 (single) or £363.25 (couple). Savings Credit is up to £17.96 (single) or £20.10 (couple) a week

Extra money that tops up your weekly income if you have reached State Pension age and are on a low income.

Who can get it

People in Northern Ireland who have reached State Pension age and have a low income. Savings Credit is only for some people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.

How to get it

Apply online if you have already claimed State Pension, call the Northern Ireland Pension Centre Pension Credit application line on 0808 100 6165 (free), or apply by post.

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Department for Communities (Northern Ireland Pension Centre)

Differs from Great Britain in who runs it: the Northern Ireland Pension Centre (Department for Communities) handles it, with its own application line (0808 100 6165) and enquiries line (0800 587 0892), not the DWP Pension Service. The rules and rates match GB. You can apply up to four months before State Pension age, and a claim can be backdated for three months.

Source Understanding Pension Credit | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Pension Credit (Savings Credit)

Up to £17.96 a week (single) or £20.10 a week (couple)

A small extra payment for older people who saved some money for retirement.

Who can get it

People who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 (or a couple where one partner did) and have some savings or income above the savings credit threshold.

How to get it

Apply as part of a Pension Credit claim, online, by phone or by post.

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The Pension Service (DWP)

Not available to people who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Pension Credit: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

State Pension (Northern Ireland)

Full new State Pension £241.30 a week; full basic State Pension £184.90 a week (2026 to 2027)

A regular payment from the state once you reach State Pension age, based on your National Insurance record.

Who can get it

People in Northern Ireland who have reached State Pension age and have enough qualifying years on their National Insurance record. You usually need at least 10 years to get any new State Pension.

How to get it

Claim online, by post, or through the Northern Ireland Pension Centre State Pension claim line on 0808 100 2658. It is not paid automatically.

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Department for Communities (Northern Ireland Pension Centre)

Differs from Great Britain in who runs it: the Northern Ireland Pension Centre (Department for Communities) handles claims, not the DWP Pension Service. The amounts and qualifying rules match GB. You should get an invitation letter within two months of reaching State Pension age, but you have to claim. The new State Pension figure is from the nidirect qualifying page, which does not state the tax year; it matches the 2026 to 2027 uprating.

Source Ways to claim State Pension | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Bereavement Support Payment

Higher rate: £3,500 then 18 monthly payments of £350. Lower rate: £2,500 then 18 monthly payments of £100

A lump sum and monthly payments if your husband, wife or civil partner has died.

Who can get it

People whose husband, wife or civil partner died and had paid enough National Insurance (or died because of their work). Claim quickly, as late claims can mean losing some monthly payments.

How to get it

Claim by phone to the Bereavement Service or with the claim form by post.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Higher rate if you get or were entitled to Child Benefit, or were pregnant, when your partner died. Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Bereavement Support Payment: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Bereavement Support Payment (Northern Ireland)

Standard rate: £2,500 then up to 18 monthly payments of £100. Higher rate (with children or pregnant): £3,500 then up to 18 monthly payments of £350

An initial payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments if your husband, wife, civil partner or live-in partner has died.

Who can get it

People under State Pension age in Northern Ireland whose partner has died and had paid enough National Insurance. You must have been married, in a civil partnership, or living together as if married.

How to get it

Apply online, by post, or call the Bereavement Service on 0800 085 2463 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

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Department for Communities (Bereavement Service)

Differs from Great Britain in who runs it: the Department for Communities' Bereavement Service handles it, not DWP. The amounts and rules match GB. To get the initial payment you must claim within 12 months of the death, and to get all the monthly payments you must claim within three months.

Source Bereavement Support Payment | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay

£194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), for up to 2 weeks

Pay from your employer if your child dies or is stillborn.

Who can get it

Employed parents and partners whose child died before turning 18, or who had a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, and who meet the service and earnings conditions.

How to get it

Tell your employer that you want to take the leave and claim the pay.

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Your employer (rules set by HMRC)

Northern Ireland has its own equivalent scheme at the same rate.

Source Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave: What you're entitled to - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

£194.60 a week (paid at the combined enhanced PIP daily living £114.60 and mobility £80.00 rates)

A tax-free weekly payment for seriously injured service personnel and veterans to help with the extra costs of disability.

Who can get it

Serving or former armed forces members injured on or after 6 April 2005 who have an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme guaranteed income payment in Band A to C.

How to get it

Veterans UK sends a claim form automatically to eligible people; contact Veterans UK if you do not get one.

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Veterans UK (Ministry of Defence)

The GOV.UK AFIP page gives no figure; the weekly amount is worked out from the 2026 to 2027 enhanced PIP rates that the page says AFIP matches.

Source Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Constant Attendance Allowance

£46.80 (part-day), £93.60 (full day), £140.40 (intermediate) or £187.20 (exceptional) a week

Extra weekly money for people getting an industrial injuries or war disablement pension who need daily care.

Who can get it

People getting Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or a War Disablement Pension who need daily care and attention because of that disability.

How to get it

Claim through DWP if you get IIDB, or through Veterans UK if you get a War Disablement Pension.

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DWP (IIDB) or Veterans UK (War Pension)

Northern Ireland: IIDB cases handled by the Department for Communities.

Source Constant Attendance Allowance: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

£46.78 to £233.90 a week, depending on assessed level of disablement (20% to 100%)

A weekly payment if you're ill or disabled because of an accident or disease caused by work.

Who can get it

Employees (or people on approved employment schemes) disabled by a work accident or one of the listed industrial diseases. You normally need to be assessed as at least 14% disabled.

How to get it

Fill in the IIDB claim form for an accident or for a disease and send it to DWP.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Northern Ireland: run by the Department for Communities.

Source Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (Northern Ireland)

Up to £233.90 a week for a 100% assessment (2026 to 2027); lower assessments get less

A weekly payment if you are ill or disabled because of an accident at work or a disease caused by your job.

Who can get it

People who were employed, or on an approved training scheme, when a work accident happened in the UK or when they got a prescribed industrial disease. You normally need to be assessed as at least 14% disabled.

How to get it

Print and fill in the claim form, then post it to the address on the form or hand it in at a Jobs and Benefits office. For help, call the Industrial Injuries Branch on 0300 092 3383.

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Department for Communities (Industrial Injuries Branch)

Differs from Great Britain in who runs it: the Department for Communities' Industrial Injuries Branch handles it, not DWP. The nidirect page does not list rates. The £233.90 figure comes from the official 2026 to 2027 benefit and pension rates (GOV.UK), which NI matches by parity. Scotland is moving this benefit to Employment-Injury Assistance, but NI is not.

Source Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit | nidirect · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

War Pension Scheme (War Disablement Pension)

Varies with level of disablement; 100% rate £248.10 a week (other ranks); lump sum if under 20%

Tax-free compensation for veterans disabled by service in the armed forces before 6 April 2005.

Who can get it

Former armed forces members whose disablement was caused or made worse by service before 6 April 2005. There is no time limit to claim.

How to get it

Apply online or by form through Veterans UK ('Apply for Armed Forces Compensation or a War Pension').

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Veterans UK (Ministry of Defence)

Extra allowances (such as Constant Attendance Allowance) and War Widow's or Widower's Pension are also paid under the scheme. Injuries from 6 April 2005 fall under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme instead.

Source War disablement pension rates 2026 - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Blind Person's Allowance

£3,250 extra tax-free allowance (2026 to 2027 tax year)

An extra amount of tax-free income on top of your Personal Allowance if you're registered blind or severely sight impaired.

Who can get it

People registered as blind or severely sight impaired with their council (in Scotland or Northern Ireland, people who cannot do work for which eyesight is essential). Unused allowance can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner.

How to get it

Contact HMRC by phone, or claim through your Self Assessment tax return.

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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Only helps if you pay (or your partner pays) Income Tax.

Source Blind Person's Allowance: What you'll get - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026

Marriage Allowance

Transfer £1,260 of Personal Allowance, cutting your partner's tax by up to £252 a year

Lets you transfer part of your tax-free Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner to cut their tax.

Who can get it

Married couples and civil partners where one earns less than their Personal Allowance (usually £12,570) and the other pays tax at the basic rate (usually income between £12,571 and £50,270).

How to get it

The partner with the lower income applies online on GOV.UK.

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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Scotland has different income tax bands, so the partner's income limit differs for Scottish taxpayers. Cannot be used with Married Couple's Allowance.

Source Marriage Allowance: How it works - GOV.UK · Checked 30 Sep 2026 · SortedUK guide

Married Couple's Allowance

Allowance between £4,530 and £11,700 for 2026 to 2027, given as a reduction to your tax bill (10% of the allowance)

A reduction in the tax bill for married couples or civil partners where one partner was born before 6 April 1935.

Who can get it

Married couples or civil partners living together where at least one was born before 6 April 1935. The amount is lower if income is over £39,200.

How to get it

Claim through your Self Assessment tax return, or contact HMRC if you do not fill one in.

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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

The GOV.UK page still showed 2025 to 2026 figures (£436 to £1,127 off the tax bill) when checked; 2026 to 2027 allowance amounts come from the 2026 indexation order.

Source The Income Tax (Indexation of Blind Person's Allowance and Married Couple's Allowance) Order 2026 · Checked 30 Sep 2026