Universal Credit

Universal Credit has replaced new claims for tax credits and a number of existing benefits. For more information see our universal credit information pages.

Below are the most common rates for Universal Credit. For a full list see gov.uk’s information on Universal Credit.

Other Benefits

Bereavement support payment 

• First payment £3500 
• Monthly payment  £350 

This is a new payment that applies if your husband, wife or civil partner died on or after 6th April 2018. It is made up of a lump sum and then a monthly payment for up to 18 months.  The amount you can recieve if you have a child under 20 in full time non-advanced education is listed opposite. More information is available here or please call our helpline for further advice. 

Carer’s allowance 

• £69.70 

Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. If you are looking after someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be eligible. Carers UK have more information. 

Child benefit 

• First child:  £21.15 
• Other children: £14 

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). For more information visit the gov.uk child benefit pages. 

Note: You may have to pay a tax charge if your personal income is over £50,000. 

Council tax reduction 

You can receive a reduction in your council tax bill if you are working and on a low income, or if you are receiving benefits. 

The amount of reduction depends on your local council’s rules and your income. 

See the gov.uk council tax reduction wepages for more. 

Disability Living Allowance (for your child) 

• Highest amount: £92.40 
• Middle amount: £61.85 
• Lowest amount: £24.45 

Mobility component: 

• Higher amount: £64.50 
• Lower amount: £24.45 

See our page ‘if you have a disabled child’ for more information. 

Employment and support allowance (ESA) 

• Single parent under 18: £59.20 
• Single parent over 18: £74.70 

Additional amounts 

• Work related activity group:  £29.70 
• Support group:  £39.40 

If you are disabled or unwell and can’t work you can claim employment and support allowance. See the Gingerbread page Benefits and tax credits for ill health or disability for full details and how to calculate the weekly amounts. 

You can also read our disability pages for more information. 

Housing benefit 

If you are receiving income support, jobseekers allowance or employment and support allowance, you should receive help with your rent and council tax. You may also receive help if you are receiving other benefits, or if you are working but are living on a low income. 

Weekly amount depends on your income and rent, but can be up to 100% of your weekly rent. 

For more information see our pages on Housing options for single parents and Benefits and tax credits if you work 16 hours a week or more 

Income support 

• Single parent under 18: £59.20 
• Single parent over 18: £74.70  

You can claim income support if your youngest child is under the age of five. If you receive income support you aren’t expected to look for work. You can claim income support regardless of the age of your children if you claim it for a reason other than being a single parent, for example because you are a full-time carer or a foster parent. 

See our information on Claiming income support and other benefits. 

 Jobseekers allowance (JSA) 

If your child is over five and you aren’t working, or are working fewer than 16 hours a week you can claim Jobseekers Allowance. See our page on claiming JSA and other benefits. 

Single parent under 18: £61.05 

Single parent over 18: £77.00 

Maternity allowance 

• £156.66 

See our maternity, paternity, and adoption page for full details of how to claim and how much is paid 

Personal Independence Payment 

• Daily Living Component (standard): £61.85 
• Daily Living Component (enhanced): £92.40 
• Mobility Component (standard): £24.45 
• Mobility Component (enhanced): £64.50 

See our disability pages for more information. 

Statutory maternity, paternity, and adoption pay  

• £156.66 

See our maternity, paternity, and adoption page for full details of how to claim and how much is paid. 

Support for mortgage interest (SMI)

If you are not in paid work, or work less than 16 hours a week and are on a low income, you may be able to receive help towards your mortgage interest through income support, jobseekers allowance or employment and support allowance. There is a waiting period of 39 weeks from the day you make your claim until your first payment. The amount you can receive depends on your individual circumstances. 

The amount paid depends on your individual circumstances. 

See the gov.uk SMI information 

Widowed parent’s allowance  

• £122.55 

Tax credit rates for 2022-23