Social benefits in Europe
UK Benefits 2026: claim what you're owed
The UK operates a Liberal (means-tested + contributory National Insurance) welfare system. Key benefits: Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension. Currency: GBP (£).
Social benefits: rates 2026
| Benefit | Category | Amount (GBP) | Frequency | Agency | Main conditions | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Revenus / Emploi | £338.58–666.97 / mois | Mensuel | DWP |
|
gov.uk |
| Child Benefit | Famille | £117.22 (1er enfant) / £77.57 (suivants) | Mensuel | HMRC |
|
gov.uk |
| Housing Benefit / LHA | Logement | Variable (selon zone LHA) | Mensuel | DWP / Conseil local |
|
gov.uk |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Handicap | £30.30–194.60 / semaine | Hebdom. | DWP |
|
gov.uk |
| State Pension (New) | Retraite | £241.30 / semaine | Hebdom. | DWP |
|
gov.uk |
| Jobseeker's Allowance (contributory JSA) | Chômage | £75.65–95.55 / semaine | Hebdom. | DWP |
|
gov.uk |
| Employment Support Allowance (ESA) | Handicap / Santé | £75.65–145.90 / semaine | Hebdom. | DWP |
|
gov.uk |
| Carer's Allowance | Famille | £86.45 / semaine | Hebdom. | DWP |
|
gov.uk |
| Council Tax Support / Reduction | Logement | jusqu'à 100% Council Tax | Mensuel | Conseil local |
|
gov.uk |
| Free School Meals | Famille / Jeunesse | valeur repas scolaire | Annuel | École / DfE |
|
gov.uk |
Frequently asked questions about UK social benefits
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What is Universal Credit and how much can I receive?
Universal Credit (UC) is the UK's main means-tested benefit that replaced six legacy benefits (Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based ESA and income-based JSA). From April 2026 the monthly standard allowance is £338.58 (single under 25), £424.90 (single 25 or over), £528.34 (couple both under 25) or £666.97 (couple aged 25 or over).
You may also receive additional amounts for housing, children, disability, and caring responsibilities — with additional elements for housing, children, disability and caring responsibilities on top. Apply at gov.uk/universal-credit. You must be resident in the UK, aged 18+ (some 16-17 year olds qualify) and have savings below £16,000.
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How to apply for housing benefit in the UK?
Housing Benefit (for those in temporary accommodation or pension age) and the housing element of Universal Credit cover rent costs for low-income renters. Universal Credit housing element is based on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates set by the Valuation Office Agency for your area. For private renters, LHA typically covers the cheapest third of local rents.
Apply for Universal Credit at gov.uk. If you're pension age, apply for Housing Benefit separately through your local council. Council Tax Support is also available separately from your local council.
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What child benefits exist in the UK?
Child Benefit is paid at £117.22/month for the first child and £77.57/month for each additional child (2026 rates). It is paid by HMRC and not means-tested, but subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge if either parent earns over £60,000/year. Apply online at gov.uk/child-benefit.
Additionally, the Child element of Universal Credit provides £351.88/month for a first child and £303.94 for each subsequent child (2026/27 rates). Free School Meals are available for children in households earning below £7,400/year. Child Tax Credit remains in payment for existing claimants providing up to £3,235/year per child.
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