Other benefits

4 mins read

This advice applies across the UK.

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 Universal Credit is replacing. In most cases, it is no longer possible to make a new claim for these benefits. The majority of people claiming these benefits will have been asked to make a claim for Universal Credit by the end of 2024.

Means-tested benefits

The benefits that Universal Credit is replacing 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.

Existing claimants have now started to receive 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 

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 three different schemes that can give you help towards your Council Tax bill. These will remain in place whether you claim legacy benefits or have moved onto Universal Credit.

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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Other benefits you might be entitled to

Disability Living Allowance

Universal Credit

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Carer’s Allowance

Tax credits

Help with Council Tax and rates

“Bedroom tax”

Other benefits

Welfare benefits in Scotland

< Benefits & tax credits