DWP Universal Credit and more - how to check if you're eligible

Brits are missing out on around £19 billion of unclaimed benefits and social tariffs each year according to a report by Policy In Practice.

You could be among those missing out on billions of pounds worth of benefits. 

But there is a quick and easy way to find out if you are eligible - a benefits calculator.

Millions in receipt of a qualifying DWP benefit will soon receive the second #CostOfLivingPayment for 2023/24, worth £300

Payments are automatic and will be made between 31 Oct and 19 Nov

Find out what support is available to you https://t.co/gx77HJcCAx#HelpForHouseholds pic.twitter.com/LiVNvbtPfw

— Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) September 20, 2023

How a benefits calculator works

Benefits calculators are free and anonymous and help to check what you could be entitled to.

They will give you an estimation on:

• The benefits you could get
• How much your benefit payments could be
• How your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
• How your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change

Which one to use?

There are a range of Benefits Calculators you can use for information on income-related benefits, contribution-based benefits, Universal Credit, tax credits, Council Tax Reduction and Carer’s Allowance.

The Gov.uk website recommends using one of the following calculators:

• Entitled to benefits calculator
• Turn2us benefits calculator
• Policy In Practice better off calculator

You can also check with a local benefits adviser to find out what you could be entitled to.

What you'll need to use a benefits calculator

To get an accurate estimation, you will need information about:

• Savings
• Income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
• Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
• Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
• Council Tax bill

The information must be accurate to get a correct estimation.

There are a number of different online calculators you can use. (Image: Getty Images)

Can anyone use a benefits calculator?

Everyone over the age of 18 in the UK can use a benefits calculator.

However, the Gov.uk website explains you will not be given an accurate result if you fall under one of the following categories: 

• You are a prisoner
• Student
• Not a British or Irish citizen
• On strike
• Living outside the UK
• Living permanently in residential care or a nursing home

Benefits you could be eligible for

There are a range of benefits you could be eligible for including:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Maternity pay and leave
• Maternity Allowance
• Child Benefits
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
• Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit
• Housing Benefits
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Council Tax Reductions

For a full list of benefits or for help accessing a benefits calculator visit the Gov.uk website.