Other benefits

5 mins read

This advice applies across the UK.

There are a range of other benefits that families may be getting, depending on their circumstances. Universal Credit has replaced most means-tested benefits, but there are certain benefits that can still be claimed, including some based on National Insurance contributions.

Means-tested benefits

The benefits that Universal Credit has replaced are known as legacy benefits. These are Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Tax Credits and Housing Benefit.

Income support

A means-tested benefit to help individuals or families on a low income and with savings below £16,000. It is no longer possible to make a new claim for Income Support, and the majority of claimants should now have been asked to make a claim for Universal Credit.

Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

A benefit for people aged 16-66 whose health problems mean that they are unable to work. Universal Credit has replaced an income-related type of ESA for new claimants.

It is no longer possible to make a new claim for Income-Based ESA and existing claimants are in the process of receiving migration notices asking them to claim Universal Credit. 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. Most people who are renting will receive extra Universal Credit payments (the housing element) towards rent costs instead. Most existing claimants have now received migration notices asking them to claim Universal Credit.

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

Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)

A benefit for people who are looking for work. Universal Credit has replaced an income-based type of JSA for new claimants. Most existing claimants have now received migration notices asking them to claim Universal Credit. A contributory type still exists for new claimants who have paid sufficient national insurance contributions. 

Tax Credits

It is no longer possible to receive tax credits. Everyone previously getting tax credits should have been invited to claim either Universal Credit or Pension Credit before 5 April 2025.

If you used to get tax credits, there may be circumstances where you still need to contact Tax Credits about your tax credit award in a previous year.

For example, if your child has been recently awarded a qualifying disability benefit such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and this has been backdated to a period when you were on tax credits, you may be entitled to extra tax credit payments for that past period. You must notify the tax credits office within one month of the date on your disability benefit decision.

You may also need to be in contact with Tax Credits if they have said they overpaid you in an earlier year. Similarly, you might contact them if you have an outstanding review or appeal against a tax credit decision in a previous year.

Contacting tax credits

The Tax Credit Helpline number is 0345 300 3900. You can use Relay UK if you cannot hear or speak on the phone, dial 18001 then 0345 300 3900.

Help with mortgage interest

If you own your home and need help to pay your mortgage, you can receive support towards the interest payments as part of your claim for Universal Credit. Any payments you receive towards your mortgage from the Department for Work and Pensions 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

You may be able to claim a discount or disregard on your Council Tax bill if someone in your household has a disability or is a carer for someone in the household who has a disability. These discounts are not means tested and you may be eligible even if you have a higher income. You may also be eligible for support with paying your Council Tax bill if you have a low income.

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.

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