Billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year, often simply because people don’t realise they qualify. Whether you’re working, out of work, retired, disabled or caring for someone, there’s likely to be support you’re entitled to — and checking takes minutes.
The main benefits, in plain terms
A handful of benefits do most of the heavy lifting:
- Universal Credit is the main payment for working-age people on a low income or out of work. It has replaced older benefits like Working Tax Credit and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, and you can claim whether or not you’re working.
- Pension Credit tops up the income of people over State Pension age. It’s one of the most under-claimed benefits of all — and it’s a gateway to extra help like a free TV licence (age 75+), Council Tax support and the Warm Home Discount.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. It isn’t means-tested and doesn’t depend on whether you work.
- Council Tax Reduction can cut your council tax bill if you’re on a low income — you apply through your local council, and schemes vary from area to area.
Check what you can get
The quickest way to find out what you qualify for is a free, independent benefits calculator — Turn2us, entitledto and Policy in Practice all offer one, and they’re anonymous. It’s worth doing even if you’ve checked before, because a change in your circumstances (a lower income, a new health condition, a child, retirement) can open up support you couldn’t get previously.
How to claim and get help
Most claims start on GOV.UK. If the forms feel daunting, you don’t have to do it alone — Citizens Advice offers free, confidential help with benefit claims, including the Help to Claim service for Universal Credit. If a decision seems wrong, you can usually ask for a “mandatory reconsideration” and then appeal.
What to do next
Run a free benefits calculator today, then see our families and disability support and cost of living pages for help aimed at your situation. If debt is part of the picture, our debt and arrears guidance explains where to get free help.
Sources
GOV.UK (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, PIP, Council Tax Reduction);
Citizens Advice (Help to Claim); Turn2us benefits calculator. Reviewed: 3
September 2026.