Means-tested state benefits
Means-tested benefits are available to people who can demonstrate that their income and capital are below a certain level.
Universal Credit in England ( Benefit for working age people)
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
If you already get other state benefits
Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and tax credits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
If you’re getting any of these benefits or tax credits, you do not need to do anything unless:
- you have a change of circumstances you need to report
- you get a letter called a ‘Migration Notice’ telling you that you must start to claim Universal Credit
You’ll stop getting these benefits and tax credits when you or your partner claims Universal Credit. If you or your partner gets Pension Credit, this will also stop if one of you claims Universal Credit.
This will not affect any other benefits you’re getting, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer’s Allowance.
You can read more about Universal Credit on gov.uk Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Useful links/How to apply
Pension Credit ( Benefit for pension age people)
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.
You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Other help if you get Pension Credit
If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- a Council Tax discount
- a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
You can read more about Pension Credit on gov.uk Pension Credit: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Useful links/How to apply
Pension Credit
Council Tax Reduction/Support
Apply to your local council for Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support).
You’ll get a discount on your bill if you’re eligible.
You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%.
You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.
What you get depends on:
- where you live – each council runs its own scheme
- your circumstances (for example income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
- your household income – this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
- if your children live with you
- if other adults live with you
Useful links/How to apply
Council Tax Support /Reduction
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Claim Council Tax Support
Breckland Council Tax Reduction
Fenland Council Tax Reduction
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit.
You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:
- you have reached State Pension age
- you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing
You’ve reached State Pension age
If you’re single you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit.
If you’re over State Pension age and live with your partner
You can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if any of the following apply:
- you and your partner have both reached State Pension age
- one of you has reached State Pension age and started claiming Pension Credit (for you as a couple) before 15 May 2019
- you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing
If you’re over State Pension age and have an existing claim
Your existing claim will not be affected if, before 15 May 2019, you:
- were getting Housing Benefit
- had reached State Pension age
It does not matter if your partner is under State Pension age.
If your circumstances change and your Housing Benefit is stopped, you cannot start getting it again unless you and your partner are eligible to make a new claim.
You can apply for Universal Credit if you’re not eligible.
You can read more about Housing Benefit on gov.uk Housing Benefit: Eligibility – GOV.UK
Useful links/How to apply
Housing Benefit
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Housing Benefit
Breckland Housing Benefits
Fenland Housing Benefit