These benefits apply throughout England, including Staffordshire. Most applications and eligibility rules are managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Universal Credit (UC) is the main financial support for working-age people on low income or out of work. It combines several older benefits into one monthly payment.
What it helps with: living costs, housing costs (rent), children, disability, caring responsibilities.
How to apply: online through GOV.UK.
Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
More info on Universal Credit: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
Universal Credit is means-tested and replaces Housing Benefit, Tax Credits, Income Support, and income-related JSA/ESA for most people.
Cash support for parents/guardians responsible for children under 16, or under 20 if in approved education/training.
Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim
For people aged 16 to State Pension age with long-term health conditions or disabilities. PIP helps with daily living and mobility costs. It is not means-tested.
Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim
About PIP: PIP has two components (daily living and mobility) and different rates based on need.
For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.
Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
Financial support if you care for someone for at least 35 hours per week who receives certain disability benefits.
Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Carer’s Allowance can interact with other benefits such as Universal Credit — always check how claiming will affect your entitlement.
Income support for people above State Pension age on a low income. It can boost weekly income and unlock extra help such as housing support, Council Tax Support, and free NHS costs.
Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
In addition to national benefits, Staffordshire councils operate local schemes to help with cost-of-living pressures.
A local scheme funded by national government to help households in financial crisis with essentials like food and utility bills. The funding allocation for Staffordshire runs from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 and includes support options such as supermarket eVouchers and utility bill payments for eligible households via approved referrers.
Find out more: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Community/Household-support-fund/Household-support-fund.aspx
Use Staffordshire County Council’s free online calculator to check everything you might be eligible for — including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Council Tax Support, free school meals, warm home discounts, and more.
Calculator link: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Business/Workplace-health/Entitled-To-Benefit-calculator.aspx