Managing expenses on a low income in the UK can be stressful—especially amid rising costs of living. Thankfully, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local government bodies offer a range of financial support options to help individuals and families stay afloat.
From boosting your living payments to covering energy costs or helping care for someone, these 13 key benefits can provide much-needed relief. Let’s explore what’s available, who qualifies, and how these supports can ease your financial burden.
13 Benefits for Low-Income Households
Here’s a concise list of the 13 available benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Interest Run-On
- Council Tax Reduction
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- National Concessionary Fuel Scheme
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Free or Discounted TV Licence
- Pension Credit
- Household Support Fund (Local Cost-of-Living Support)
- Disabled Facilities Grants
- NHS Low Income Scheme
Benefit Details & Eligibility
| Benefit | Purpose/What It Covers | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Monthly support for living costs and rent | Low savings (<£16,000), UK resident, under pension age |
| Housing Benefit | Help with rent (especially for pension-age or supported housing) | Being out of work, low income, certain housing situations |
| Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) | Loan to cover mortgage interest or home repair loans | Must receive a qualifying benefit like Income Support or UC |
| Mortgage Interest Run-On | Short-term support when transitioning off certain benefits | 26+ continuous weeks on benefit, starting work, still with housing costs |
| Council Tax Reduction | Discount or exemption on council tax | Low income, benefit recipient, varies by council |
| Warm Home Discount | One-off £150 credit on energy bill | Low-income or on Pension Credit, applies automatically in many cases |
| National Concessionary Fuel Scheme | Solid fuel delivery or cash for former coal workers | Former coal board employees or widows/widowers thereof |
| Winter Fuel Payment | £100–£300 to help with winter heating | Born before qualifying date, mainly paid automatically |
| Free/Discounted TV Licence | Free if over 75 on Pension Credit; discounted if blind/care home resident | Age or disability-linked eligibility |
| Pension Credit | Weekly income top-up for pensioners | Over State Pension age, income below threshold |
| Household Support Fund | Local help for essentials like food and bills | Varies by council; must receive benefits or be low-income |
| Disabled Facilities Grants | Home adjustments for disabilities | Must be disabled, live in property long-term, council-approved works |
| NHS Low Income Scheme | Free prescriptions, dental, eye care | Low savings (<£6,000), income-based assessment applies |
Why These Benefits Matter in 2025
- Many benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and means-tested energy schemes, received inflation-linked increases this year, making support more substantial.
- Up to £9.6 billion in Universal Credit alone goes unclaimed each year—highlighting how critical awareness is.
- Local funds like the Household Support Fund remain vital—available for limited periods and varying amounts depending on location, often up to £800 in emergencies.
- Free tools and calculators help low-income individuals identify eligibility and maximize their entitlements.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s vital to explore the wide range of DWP and local benefits available to you. Whether it’s covering rent, heating, or essential health costs, these 13 supports can make a real difference.
Filing applications, speaking to your council, and using benefits calculators can help you capture support you might be missing.
FAQs
How can I check which benefits I’m eligible for?
Use free benefits calculators online from trusted organisations or consult your local council or Citizens Advice for tailored help.
Do I need to apply separately for each benefit?
Yes—some benefits like Universal Credit and Pension Credit require online applications, while others (e.g., Warm Home Discount) may be automatic or need contacting your supplier or council.
Can I receive multiple benefits at once?
Absolutely. Many of these benefits are complementary—you can, for instance, receive Universal Credit, a Council Tax Reduction, and a Warm Home Discount simultaneously if you qualify