Billions of pounds of UK benefits go unclaimed every year. Research by Policy in Practice suggests billions of pounds of means-tested benefits go unclaimed each year. Many people assume they won't qualify because they're working, own property, or think of benefits as 'not for people like them'. This guide helps you discover what you might actually be entitled to — with links to free, confidential calculators.
Free Benefits Calculators UK 2026
Several free, confidential online tools will tell you what benefits you may be entitled to based on your circumstances. Turn2Us (turn2us.org.uk/benefits-calculator) is one of the most comprehensive. EntitledTo (entitledto.co.uk) is another trusted calculator. Policy in Practice's Better Off Calculator is used by councils. These tools ask about your income, savings, housing, family situation and current benefits, then estimate what you could claim. None of them record your personal details or share with DWP.
- Turn2Us: turn2us.org.uk/benefits-calculator (comprehensive, free)
- EntitledTo: entitledto.co.uk (detailed means-tested benefit calculator)
- Policy in Practice Better Off Calculator: used by councils for client advice
- Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk (also provides benefit calculations)
- GOV.UK benefits calculator: gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Benefits Available to Working People
Many people don't realise that working doesn't disqualify you from benefits. Universal Credit supplements low wages — once you earn above your work allowance (if you have one), your UC reduces by 55p for each extra £1, so you still keep 45p of UC for every £1 you earn. Tax credits closed in April 2025, and former claimants have moved to Universal Credit. Childcare Element (up to 85% of childcare costs) is available to UC claimants who are working.
- Universal Credit: available to working people on low incomes
- Childcare element: up to 85% of childcare costs through UC
- Free School Meals: in England, all children in UC households from September 2026
- Housing Benefit: rent support available through UC or legacy claim
- Council Tax Reduction: available regardless of working status if income is low
Benefits for Families with Children
Families with children have access to significant additional support. Child Benefit (£27.05/week for first child, £17.90 for each additional in 2026/27) is available to most families and is not means-tested below £60,000 income. Free childcare hours (15–30 hours/week) are available for eligible working parents. Tax-Free Childcare provides a 20% top-up on childcare costs. Sure Start Maternity Grant provides £500 for first children to low-income families. The Healthy Start card supports pregnant women and families with young children on qualifying benefits.
- Child Benefit: £27.05/week (first child), £17.90 (each additional)
- Free childcare hours: 15–30 hours/week for eligible working parents
- Tax-Free Childcare: 20% top-up on childcare costs
- Healthy Start: a prepaid card for milk, fruit and vegetables for qualifying families with young children
- Sure Start Maternity Grant: £500 for first child (low-income families)
Benefits for People with Disabilities or Health Conditions
Significant support exists for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with daily living and mobility costs. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or the UC Limited Capability for Work element supports those unable to work due to illness. Carer's Allowance (£86.45/week in 2026/27) is available to those providing 35+ hours/week of unpaid care, if you earn no more than £204 a week after deductions. Attendance Allowance is available for those over State Pension age needing care.
- PIP: up to £194.60/week (about £843 a month) for the enhanced daily living and mobility components
- ESA/UC health element: income support if unable to work due to health
- Carer's Allowance: £86.45/week for 35+ hours of informal caring
- Attendance Allowance: £76.70 or £114.60/week for people over State Pension age needing help with daily activities
- Blue Badge: free from councils for mobility-impaired people
Will claiming benefits affect my credit score?
No. Receiving benefits has no direct impact on your credit score. Lenders cannot use benefit status as a reason to refuse credit, though income level (which benefits form part of) may affect affordability assessments.
What if I'm too embarrassed to claim?
Benefits are contributions you and your family have paid into through taxes and NI. Claiming what you're entitled to is your right — it's not 'scrounging', it's the social contract at work. Unclaimed benefits deprive you and your family of money you're lawfully owed.
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