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👶 Child Benefit
A weekly payment for anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training).
How much: £27.05 a week for the eldest child, £17.90 for each other child
Who can get it: Parents and carers; repaid through the High Income Child Benefit Charge if one parent’s income is over £60,000
🧸 30 hours free childcare (England)
Up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, 38 weeks a year, for working parents of children from 9 months to school age.
Who can get it: Each parent earns at least 16 hours a week at the National Minimum/Living Wage and under £100,000 adjusted net income
💷 Tax-Free Childcare
The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay into an online childcare account.
How much: Up to £2,000 per child a year (£4,000 if disabled)
Who can get it: Working parents of children under 12 (17 if disabled), each earning under £100,000
🤰 Statutory Maternity Pay
Paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks of maternity leave.
How much: 90% of average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week (or 90% if lower) for 33 weeks
Who can get it: Employees with 26 weeks’ service earning at least the Lower Earnings Limit; others may get Maternity Allowance
🧾 Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work or unable to work.
How much: Depends on age, household, housing costs, children and earnings
Who can get it: People 18+ (some 16–17) under State Pension age with savings under £16,000
🤒 Statutory Sick Pay
Paid by your employer when you are too ill to work. Since 6 April 2026 it is paid from the first day of sickness and the lower earnings test was removed.
Who can get it: Employees who are off sick
🏠 Council Tax Reduction
A discount on your council tax bill if you are on a low income or claim benefits; run by your local council.
How much: Up to 100% depending on your council and income
Who can get it: Low-income households; single occupants also get a 25% single person discount
🧓 New State Pension
The regular payment from the government once you reach State Pension age (66, rising to 67 from 2026–2028).
How much: £241.30 a week in 2026/27 for 35 qualifying years
Who can get it: People with at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance
🫶 Pension Credit
Tops up the weekly income of pensioners on a low income and unlocks help with housing costs, council tax, the Winter Fuel Payment and a free TV licence for over-75s.
Who can get it: People over State Pension age with a low income
🔥 Winter Fuel Payment
An annual payment to help with heating costs, paid automatically in November–December.
How much: £200, or £300 if someone in the household is 80 or over
Who can get it: People over State Pension age; repaid through tax if your income is over £35,000
🏡 Lifetime ISA
A savings account for a first home or retirement where the government adds a 25% bonus.
How much: Bonus of up to £1,000 a year on £4,000 saved
Who can get it: People aged 18–39 when they open it
Use the official benefits calculators on GOV.UK (Turn2us, entitledto, Policy in Practice) for a full check of means-tested benefits. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have some extra or different schemes.
FAQ
How much is Child Benefit in 2026/27?
£27.05 a week for the eldest child and £17.90 for each other child.
What is the full new State Pension for 2026/27?
£241.30 a week (£12,547.60 a year).
Sources (checked 6 Nov 2026): GOV.UK benefit rates 2026/27; HMRC; DWP.