Tier 2 · StabiliseM4

Benefits You're Entitled To

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Watch out:Complete 80% of Tier 1 to unlock the quiz, tools and XP for this module. You can still read the lesson.

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Benefits aren't charity — they're part of the system you pay into

Billions of pounds go unclaimed each year. Checking what you might get takes minutes and is free.

Tip:Use a free benefits calculator (Turn2Us or entitledto) — it's anonymous and impartial.

GOV.UK — check what benefits you can get

Universal Credit

A monthly payment for people on a low income or out of work. Your maximum is a standard allowance (single 25+ is £424.90/mo) plus elements for children, housing, childcare or disability. Earnings above a work allowance reduce UC by 55p per £1 — the "taper".

Key figure

The 0% taper means work always leaves you better off overall — the myth that earning more "isn't worth it" is wrong.

GOV.UK — Universal Credit

Child Benefit & the HICBC trap

£27.05/wk for the first child, £17.90 for each more. If you or your partner earns over £60,000, some is clawed back (gone at £80,000), assessed on the individual, not the household. Always register even if you opt out of payment.

Watch out:Missing a year of NI credits can cost roughly £329/year of State Pension for life. Register the claim even if you opt out of the money.

GOV.UK — Child Benefit

Pensioners & carers

Pension Credit tops up low pensioner income and unlocks other help (Council Tax, sometimes a free TV licence) — it's badly under-claimed. Carer's Allowance is £86.45/wk if you care 35+ hours a week and earn under £204/wk.

GOV.UK — Pension Credit

Local & in-kind help

Council Tax Reduction, Free School Meals, Healthy Start vouchers and the benefit cap all vary by council — check locally as well as nationally.

GOV.UK — Council Tax Reduction

Read-only preview — the quiz and XP unlock with the tier.