UK Benefit Guides 2026/27
By Omair SaoLast reviewed — rates for the 2026/27 tax year. See how we check our figures.
Ten guides, one for each benefit our calculator checks. Each one sets out the 2026/27 rates as published by the DWP or HMRC, who qualifies, how to claim, what the payment adds up to over a year, and what to do if a claim is refused.
The benefits system splits into two kinds of payment. Means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit depend on your income and savings, and one claim can unlock others (free prescriptions, help with council tax, the Warm Home Discount). Non-means-tested benefits such as PIP, Attendance Allowance and Child Benefit depend on your circumstances rather than your bank balance, and are the ones most often left unclaimed because people assume they earn too much. If you are not sure where to start, the benefits calculator asks six questions and flags every benefit worth a closer look.
Means-tested support for working-age people
Paid according to your income and savings. Most people who work on a low wage or rent fall here. New Housing Benefit claims are now limited to people over State Pension age or in supported or temporary housing.
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income or out of work.
From £209.34 per month
Housing Benefit
Help with rent payments for people on a low income or claiming benefits.
Council Tax Reduction
Help with your council tax bill if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits.
Contribution-based support if you have paid National Insurance
New Style JSA and ESA depend on your National Insurance record over the last two to three tax years, not on your savings, and can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.
Children and carers
Child Benefit is not means-tested; Carer's Allowance depends on hours of care and your earnings, not savings.
Disability and health
Based on how a condition affects you, not on income, and payable whether or not you work.
Pension age
A top-up for pensioners on a low income that also unlocks help with housing, council tax and the over-75 TV licence.