Introduction
Are you struggling to make ends meet with rising living costs? You may be eligible for various benefits that can help alleviate your financial burden. This guide will help you understand your rights and explore the benefits you could claim, even if you’re working or have savings. If you need assistance navigating this complex landscape, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide tailored guidance and support. Discover how to access the benefits you deserve and get the help you need with Contend, the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
If you’re feeling the pinch of rising living costs, it’s important to know that you may be eligible for various benefits to help ease your financial burden. Even if you’re working, have savings, or own a home, there are benefits you could claim.
Why You Should Explore Your Benefits
Many people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s definitely worth investigating what you could receive. Claiming benefits can also open the door to additional financial assistance like cost-of-living payments and discounts on essential services such as energy and transportation.
How to Find Out What Benefits You Can Claim
There are a few straightforward ways to determine what benefits you might be eligible for:
- Use a Benefits Calculator: These online tools can provide a detailed assessment based on your personal circumstances. You’ll need to input information about your income, savings, pension, childcare costs, and any benefits you or your partner are already receiving.
- General Benefits Advice: If you’re looking for a quick overview, you can read general advice about benefits like Universal Credit.
Important Considerations
Not everyone can use benefits calculators. If you fall into one of these categories, you may need to speak with an adviser for personalized assistance:
- Students
- Individuals on strike
- Those living outside the UK
- People in residential care or nursing homes
- Incarcerated individuals
For Specific Groups
-
Under 18? You can use the Policy in Practice benefits calculator for tailored guidance.
-
Not a British or Irish Citizen? Use the ‘Support for Migrant Families’ tool to check your eligibility for benefits, especially if you have children under 18. You can access it here.
Detailed Benefits Check
If you want a comprehensive assessment, the Entitledto benefits calculator is highly recommended, especially if you are already claiming benefits or are over State Pension age.
For a quick overview, try the Turn2us benefits calculator.
Universal Credit: A Key Benefit
Universal Credit is a primary benefit for many working-age individuals. You should check if you qualify, particularly if:
- You’re between 18 and State Pension age
- You have less than £16,000 in savings
Even if you work full-time, you may still be eligible. It’s important to understand that your income does not disqualify you outright; it depends on your specific situation.
Additional Benefits for Specific Needs
- Sick or Disabled? If you’re unable to work due to illness or disability, you may qualify for extra support through Universal Credit.
- Over State Pension Age? You might be eligible for a State Pension if you’ve made National Insurance contributions. You can learn more about State Pensions here.
- Low Income? If your income and savings are limited, you might qualify for Pension Credit, which can provide access to further assistance like discounts on council tax and healthcare.
Other Benefits to Consider
Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for additional benefits:
- Child Benefits: If you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in education), you can claim Child Benefit, regardless of your income or savings.
- Carer’s Allowance: If you care for someone with a disability for at least 35 hours a week, you might qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance: If you’re looking for work and have paid National Insurance in the last few years, you could be eligible for ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Additional Support
If you’re facing financial difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local council or charities for extra help. They can offer resources to assist with living costs.
Need More Help?
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for benefits or need guidance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Their highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide tailored advice to help you navigate your options and ensure you’re getting the support you need.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and there are resources available to help you through challenging times. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
