Maximising Income With Benefits
Explore the benefits those you support may be able to receive to maximise their income.
Benefits Calculator
Using a benefits calculator could help those you are supporting understand what benefits they are eligible for. To get the most accurate answer, they will need information about their income, savings and any existing benefits they receive.
You can find more information here:
Universal Credit
The main benefit for working age adults is now Universal Credit, replacing several other types of benefits. Those you are supporting may get Universal Credit if they have a low income or are not working. Recipients will usually get one monthly payment, made up of a ‘standard allowance’ as well as other additional elements they are eligible for.
You can find more information here:
Universal Credit - Citizens Advice
What is Universal Credit (UC)? - Turn2us
Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK
Housing Benefit
Most households now receive the housing element of Universal Credit instead of Housing Benefit. Households can only make a new claim for housing benefit if they are in certain situations, such as being of pension age or living in temporary accommodation. Applications for Housing Benefit must be made to Milton Keynes Council, who will also make payments.
You can find more information here:
Housing Benefit - Citizens Advice
Information about claiming Housing Benefit | Milton Keynes City Council
Housing Benefit: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Housing Benefit (England, Scotland, Wales) - Turn2us
Housing benefit eligibility & advice - Age UK
Housing benefit: hostels, refuges, supported and temporary housing - Shelter England
New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Individuals may be able to receive ‘New Style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance if they are not working or working part time, even if they are also claiming Universal Credit. Recipients normally need to have worked and paid enough National Insurance contributions in the two years before your application.
You can find more information here:
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - Citizens Advice
New Style Jobseeker's Allowance - GOV.UK
Benefits and tax credits when you've lost your job- MoneyHelper
Working Tax Credits
Universal Credit has replaced Working Tax Credits for most people, however those you support may still be able to claim if they are already receiving Child Tax Credits. They will also have to be on a low income and working a certain amount of hours per week, depending on personal circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Working and child tax credits - Citizens Advice
What is Working Tax Credit? - Turn2us
Child Tax Credits
Universal Credit has replaced Child Tax Credits for most people, however those you are supporting may be able to still claim if they are already receiving Working Tax Credits. Recipients can get Child Tax Credits for each child they are responsible for, depending on their age and circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Working and child tax credits - Citizens Advice
What is Child Tax Credit? - Turn2us
Child Benefit
Those you support may be able to get help with the costs of bringing up children. Child Benefit can provide an allowance for each child they have responsibility for, depending on the child’s age and personal circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Child Benefit - Citizens Advice
What is Child Benefit? - Turn2us
Maternity Allowance
If women are not entitled to Maternity Pay through their employer, they might be able to receive Maternity Allowance from the government instead. This is dependent on how many weeks they have been working and earning in the weeks ahead of their due date.
You can find more information here:
Maternity pay - what you're entitled to - Citizens Advice
What is Maternity Allowance? - Turn2us
Pension Credit
Those of pension age may be able to receive Pension Credit if they have a low income. There are two parts of Pension Credit, called Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Recipients can get one or both, depending on their age and personal circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Pension Credit - Citizens Advice
Pension Credit: Overview - GOV.UK
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
If an individual has an illness, disability or mental health condition, they may be able to receive Personal Independence Payment. There are two parts, called the ‘daily living component’ and the ‘mobility component’. Recipients can get a standard or enhanced rate for each, depending on the amount of support they need.
You can find more information here:
Personal Independence Payment - Citizens Advice
What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)? - Turn2us
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): What PIP is for - GOV.UK
Attendance Allowance
Individuals may be able to receive Attendance Allowance if they have reached pension age and have care needs because of an illness or disability. The amount recipients are paid is based on how much help they need with daily living, not on income, savings or whether they are still working.
You can get more information here:
Attendance Allowance - Citizens Advice
What is Attendance Allowance? - Turn2us
Carer’s Allowance
Individuals may be able to receive Carer’s Allowance if they provide regular and substantial care to someone with an illness or disability. This will be dependant on the recipient’s personal circumstances and whether the person they are caring for receives a qualifying benefit.
You can find more information here:
Carer's Allowance - Citizens Advice
What is Carer's Allowance? - Turn2us
Carer's Allowance: How it works - GOV.UK