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Guides to each benefit
Plain-English guides to the main benefits and help in the UK, with the 2026-27 amounts and the official place to apply.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit rates for 2026-27: £424.90 standard allowance, £303.94 per child, work allowances and the 55% taper, explained plainly with how to apply.Pension CreditPension Credit tops weekly income up to £238 (single) or £363.25 (couple) in 2026-27.Child BenefitChild Benefit pays £27.05 a week for the eldest child and £17.90 for each other child in 2026-27.PIP and Adult Disability PaymentPIP and Scotland's Adult Disability Payment pay £30.30 to £194.60 a week in 2026-27.Attendance AllowanceAttendance Allowance (Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland) pays £76.70 or £114.60 a week in 2026-27 to people over State Pension age with care needs.Carer's Allowance and Carer Support PaymentCarer's Allowance pays £86.45 a week in 2026-27 if you care 35 hours a week and earn £204 a week or less.Council Tax ReductionCouncil Tax Reduction can cut your bill by up to 100% if you're on a low income.Housing Benefit for pensionersHousing Benefit helps people over State Pension age pay rent.Warm Home Discount and winter helpThe Warm Home Discount takes £150 off your electricity bill in winter 2026-27 if you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.Winter Fuel PaymentWinter Fuel Payment 2026-27 is £200, or £300 if you're 80 or over, for people born on or before 27 June 1960.Free school mealsFrom September 2026 every child in a family on Universal Credit in England can get free school meals.Healthy Start, Best Start and maternity helpHealthy Start puts £4.65 a week (£9.30 for babies under 1) on a card for milk, fruit and veg.Help with childcare costsTax-Free Childcare adds £2 for every £8 (up to £2,000 a year a child), free hours in England, Scotland and Wales, and 85% back on Universal Credit.NHS Low Income SchemeThe NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1) gives full or part help with prescriptions, dental treatment, glasses and travel to hospital if your savings are £16,000 or less.Cheaper broadband, phone and water billsSocial tariffs give cheaper broadband (£10 to £24 a month) and water bills to people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other benefits.Benefits in ScotlandBenefits only in Scotland for 2026-27: Scottish Child Payment £28.20 a week, Best Start Grants, Adult Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment and winter payments.
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