Other benefits

3 mins read

There are a range of other benefits that families may be getting depending on their circumstances. These include a number of means-tested benefits that are being replaced by Universal Credit. In most cases it is no longer possible to make a new claim for these benefits.

In this article

Means-tested benefits

These means tested benefits include:

Income support

A means-tested benefit to help individuals or families on a low income and with savings below £16,000.

Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

A benefit for people aged 16-64 whose health problems mean that they are unable to work. Universal Credit has replaced an income-related type of ESA for new claimants. A contributory type of ESA still exists for new claimants who have paid sufficient national insurance contributions. 

Housing benefit (rent rebate in Northern Ireland)

This is a means-tested benefit for those who pay rent and are on a low income. However, most people cannot make a new claim for housing benefit. This is because Universal Credit has replaced it. If you are a renter who claims Universal Credit, you may get extra Universal Credit payments towards your rent costs instead.

Special rules allow people who live in supported accommodation  to make new claims for housing benefit. Contact our free helpline for further advice if this applies to you.

Jobseekers allowance (JSA)

A benefit for people who are looking for work. Universal Credit has replaced an income-based type of JSA for new claimants. A contributory type still exists for new claimants who have paid sufficient national insurance contributions. 

Help with mortgage interest

Prior to April 2018, people on means-tested benefits such as Income Support and Universal Credit could get benefit payments towards the interest on their mortgage.

A new scheme has replaced this. Any payments you receive towards your mortgage from the Department for Work and Pensions from April 2018 onwards are treated as a loan. You must repay this with interest when you sell or transfer your property.

For more information about support with mortgage interest, call our free helpline.

Help with Council Tax and rates

There are also three different schemes that can give you help towards your Council Tax bill. See our information on getting help with Council Tax and rates (in Northern Ireland).

Get a benefits check

There are many other benefits and concessions you may qualify for. It is always best to get a full benefit check regularly.

You can check your likely entitlements by using the benefit calculator on our website

Or ring our national freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555 if you would like one of our specialist advisers to check you are getting all you should be.

Other sources of financial help

You may also be entitled to financial help from other sources.

For more information, visit our section on other sources of financial support.