Universal Credit
If you're on a low income or you're out of work, you might be able to claim Universal Credit to boost your income.
Every year, many benefits rates change. This page outlines some of the most notable changes this year and where to go for more information.
You don't get your State Pension automatically, you have to claim it. You should receive a letter about this no later than 2 months before you reach State Pension age.
You can now get up to £221.20 per week depending on the National Insurance contributions you made during your working years.
The full State Pension under the old rules is now £169.50 per week for people with at least 30 years of NI contributions.
Guarantee Credit can now top up your income to at least £218.15 per week for single people and £332.95 for couples.
Savings Credit is now up to £17.01 extra per week for single people or £19.04 extra per week for couples.
Whether you need support during the day, at night or both, or you're a carer that helps support someone else, you could be entitled to some extra money each week.
This is now £72.65 per week if you need help in the day or at night, and £108.55 per week if you need help in the day and at night.
This is now £81.90 per week if you care for someone.
This is now £148.40 per week as long as you're still receiving Child Benefit.
Bereavement benefits have been extended – you no longer need to have been married or in a civil partnership with your partner to claim Bereavement Support Payment (BSP).
What you might be entitled to for some of these benefits depends on certain criteria. Some of these rates haven't changed for 2024-25 but it's worth checking if you might be entitled to any for the first time this year.
Also known as Council Tax Support. This varies depending on certain criteria and your circumstances, but it may cover your Council Tax in full.
This varies depending on certain criteria and your circumstances, but it may cover your rent in full.
This remains one annual payment and can be up to £300 depending on your age and who you live with.
This remains £25 per week when the weather has been, or is expected to be, freezing or below for 7 days in a row between November and March.
This is a one-off discount on your energy bill from your supplier.
If you haven't yet reached State Pension age, or you're a couple and one of you is yet to reach State Pension age, you might be entitled to benefits for working-age people.
The weekly rates for both the care and mobility components have increased.
This has increased to £90.50 per week if you’re single and £142.25 per week if you’re a couple.
This has increased to £90.50 per week if you’re single and £142.25 per week if you’re a couple.
This has increased to £90.50 per week if you’re single and £142.25 per week if you’re a couple.
The daily living component has increased to £72.65 for the standard rate and £108.55 for the enhanced rate. The mobility component has increased to £28.70 for the standard rate and £75.75 for the enhanced rate.
The basic standard allowances for Universal Credit are £393.45 per month if you’re single and £617.60 per month if you’re a couple.
Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
If you're on a low income or you're out of work, you might be able to claim Universal Credit to boost your income.
You might be entitled to public transport concessions, such as a free bus pass.
Disability Living Allowance is gradually being replaced by Personal Independence Payment.
Each year, billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed. Find out if you're entitled to some financial support.