Following on from my earlier post about benefits for families, this guide offers a brief overview of the financial support available to those on low incomes. While we’re not specialists in this area, we hope this summary helps raise awareness of what’s out there. For full details and eligibility criteria, it’s best to check the official government website.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment designed to help with living costs. You may be eligible if you’re:
- On a low income
- Out of work
- Self-employed
It replaces several older benefits, including:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
To qualify, you must live in the UK, be aged 18+ and below State Pension age, and have less than £16,000 in savings and investments.
Some 16–17 year olds may also be eligible. If you have children, a disability, or a health condition, you may be entitled to additional support. There are a number of different factors that will influence exactly what you will get, and we always recommended you read the guidance in full. Online calculators can help estimate what you might receive.
Housing Support
Although Housing Benefit is being phased into Universal Credit, you may still be able to claim it separately if:
- You’re over State Pension age.
- You live in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing.
If you’re repaying a mortgage, you might qualify for Support for Mortgage Interest - a government loan available to those receiving certain benefits.
You may also be eligible for:
- Council Tax Reduction: Available to renters and homeowners on low incomes or benefits. The amount depends on your situation.
- Single Occupancy Discount: If you live alone, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
- Pension Credit: For those over State Pension age and on a low income. This can help with housing costs like ground rent and service charges. You may get extra if you’re a carer, disabled, or responsible for a child.
Heating Support
Everyone is likely aware that heating costs have increased significantly over the last couple of years, but there are schemes to help:
- Warm Home Discount Scheme: Offers £150 off your electricity bill for 2025–26. This is applied automatically if you qualify. It's typically based on low income and high energy costs, or if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. You can still qualify even if you have a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meter.
- Winter Fuel Payment: If you were born before 25 September 1957, you could receive £100–£300 to help with heating bills. Most eligible people receive this automatically.
TV Licence
If you are over 75 and you get Pension Credit you can get a free TV licence. Discounts are also available if you’re blind or live in residential care. If you're eligible, you can apply for this online.
Cost of living support
If you’re struggling to afford essentials like food, energy, or water, the Household Support Fund may be able to help. You don’t need to be receiving other benefits to apply. Some councils also offer food vouchers during school holidays.
Medical support
You may be entitled to free NHS services such as:
- Prescriptions.
- Dental treatment.
- Eye tests.
Eligibility depends on factors like age, income, location, benefits received, medical conditions, or pregnancy.
If you regularly pay for prescriptions, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate could save you money:
- £32.05 for 3 months.
- £114.50 for 12 months.
Prescriptions currently cost £9.90 per item, so if you need 4+ items in 3 months or 12+ in a year, prepaying may be cheaper. You can apply online.
All figures correct as of 7 November 2025.
