Claiming benefits
Benefits give practical help and financial support if you're unemployed and looking for work.
You may also get extra income when your earnings are low, if you're bringing up children, are retired, care for someone, are ill or have a disability.
Types of benefits
There are various benefits you may be entitled to.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs.
You may be able to get it if you’re:
- on a low income
- out of work
- unable to work
Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support is financial help towards paying Council Tax bill.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money if you're over State Pension age and don’t have much income.
Attendance Allowance
You can get Attendance Allowance if you:
- have reached State Pension age
- have a disability and need someone to look after you
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP can help with extra living costs if you have both:
- a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
A DHP is money from the council to help towards housing costs.
Help to access benefits
Welfare Rights Team
The Welfare Rights Team can give advice and support with all types of benefit claims and appeals.
The team also has a Macmillan Benefit Advisor, who can help people with cancer and their families.
Citizens Advice
Can help you with welfare benefit payments and money advice.
Benefit entitlement
If you're not sure which benefits you can get, there are free tools and support services that can help you find out. Advicelink Cymru can help you check and claim what’s yours.
Benefits calculators
An independent benefits calculator can help you check:
- your entitlement
- how to claim
- what happens to your benefits
The calculator is free to use, and the details you provide are anonymous.
Before you start, make sure you have information about your savings, income, pensions and existing benefits (for you and your partner).
