About this guide
A practical guide to checking benefits, Council Tax support and other financial help you may be entitled to across the UK.
Start with a full benefits check
A benefits check can identify support you may not know about. GOV.UK lists free, anonymous calculators that can estimate benefits, Council Tax Reduction and how a change in work or family circumstances could affect entitlement.
OPEN GOV.UK BENEFITS CALCULATORSCHECK BENEFITS & FINANCIAL SUPPORTInformation to have ready
For a more useful check, gather information about savings, income, benefits and pensions, rent or mortgage costs, childcare and Council Tax. If you live with a partner, their financial information may also be relevant.
Do not stop at one benefit
Depending on circumstances, support may include Universal Credit, disability benefits, Carer's Allowance, Child Benefit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit in eligible cases, Council Tax Reduction, help with health costs and local welfare assistance.
BROWSE ALL GOV.UK BENEFITSIf a calculator cannot assess you
Online calculators may not work accurately for some groups, including some students, prisoners, people living permanently in residential care and people with immigration-related restrictions. Ask a local welfare-rights adviser or Citizens Advice for an individual check.
CITIZENS ADVICEAfter you find a possible entitlement
Check the official eligibility rules before claiming. Keep screenshots or notes of the result, the date of your check and the figures used. A calculator is an estimate, not a benefit decision.