👴 Family & Elderly Benefits Guide
Family & Elderly Benefits: What You're Entitled to in 2026
Child Benefit, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance — this guide explains the key benefits available to families and older people, and how to make sure you're not missing out.
✅ Last verified: July 2026📚 Sources: GOV.UK, Citizens Advice🇬🇧 Applies across the UK
⚖ Know Your Rights at a Glance
- Child Benefit: £25.60/week for the first child, £16.95/week for each additional child (2026/27). Clawback begins above £60,000 income.
- Pension Credit: A top-up benefit for people over State Pension age whose income is below the qualifying level — over a million eligible pensioners don't claim it.
- Attendance Allowance: For people aged 65+ who need help with personal care because of disability. £73.90/week (lower rate) or £110.40/week (higher rate).
- Carer's Allowance: £86.45/week if you provide 35+ hours of care per week. Earnings limit: £204/week.
- Winter Fuel Payment changes: From 2024/25, Winter Fuel Payments are restricted to households receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
- Free NHS prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatment are available to people over 60, people receiving certain benefits, and those with qualifying medical conditions.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is paid to whoever is responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training). From April 2026:
- First child: £25.60 per week
- Each additional child: £16.95 per week
Child Benefit is clawed back via the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) if either parent earns over £60,000. The charge equals 1% of the benefit for every £200 of income above £60,000, so it is fully clawed back at £80,000.
Even if you earn over the threshold, it can be worth claiming Child Benefit to protect National Insurance credits and your child's right to a National Insurance number at 16.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age. It tops up your income if it falls below:
- £218.15/week if you're single
- £332.95/week if you have a partner
Claiming Pension Credit also unlocks other benefits — including help with housing costs, council tax reduction, free TV licence (if over 75), and Winter Fuel Payment. Many eligible pensioners don't claim it — if your income is below the threshold, apply at gov.uk/pension-credit.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is for people aged 65 or over who have a disability or illness that means they need help with personal care or supervision. It is not means-tested and can be paid on top of other benefits and savings.
From April 2026:
- Lower rate: £73.90/week — for help needed during the day or night
- Higher rate: £110.40/week — for help needed during both day and night, or if terminally ill
Attendance Allowance can also unlock other benefits and council tax reductions. It does not affect most other benefits.
Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance is £86.45/week for people who provide at least 35 hours of care per week to someone in receipt of a qualifying disability benefit (e.g. PIP daily living at standard or enhanced rate, or DLA care component at middle or highest rate).
You must earn no more than £204/week (net of allowable deductions) to qualify. Carer's Allowance can overlap with State Pension and some other benefits — check with Citizens Advice for your specific position as overlapping rules are complex.
Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment
From the 2024/25 winter, the Winter Fuel Payment (worth up to £300) is only available to households receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. It is no longer a universal payment for all people over State Pension age.
Cold Weather Payments of £25 per 7-day period of very cold weather are still paid automatically to people on certain qualifying benefits when the temperature drops to 0°C or below.
1
Check your entitlements with a benefits calculatorUse entitledto.co.uk or Turn2Us. Many families and pensioners miss out on significant amounts. A calculator shows you quickly what you should be receiving.
2
Apply for Pension Credit if you're over State Pension age and on a low incomeIt unlocks many other benefits. Apply at gov.uk/pension-credit or call the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234.
3
Claim Child Benefit even if you're over the income thresholdClaim to protect your NI record and your child's NI number. If you're over the threshold, simply opt to pay back via Self Assessment or opt out of the payment.
4
Apply for Attendance Allowance for older relativesIt's not means-tested and doesn't affect most other benefits. Many older people with care needs don't claim it because they don't know it exists.
5
Check the carers' earnings limit before taking extra workEarning above £204/week net stops your Carer's Allowance completely. Plan any paid work carefully.
6
Challenge any benefit decisions you disagree withRequest a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of any decision you think is wrong. If upheld, appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
Frequently asked questions
Does Child Benefit affect Universal Credit?
Not directly — Child Benefit is counted as income for UC purposes, which means claiming it increases your income figure but UC also includes child elements. Use a benefits calculator to see the overall picture.
Can I get Attendance Allowance and still pay for my own care?
Yes. Attendance Allowance is designed to help with the costs of care and is not means-tested. You can use it however you choose — it is not tied to specific services.
What is the State Pension?
The new State Pension is currently £221.20/week (2024/25). You qualify for the full rate with 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits. Check your State Pension forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension.
I'm a grandparent who looks after grandchildren — can I get NI credits?
Yes. Specified Adult Childcare NI credits allow grandparents and other family members who care for a child under 12 while the parent is working to receive National Insurance credits. Apply via HMRC.
My elderly parent has savings — do they still qualify for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) has no upper savings limit, unlike UC. However, savings above £10,000 are treated as generating a notional income which reduces your Pension Credit. Always check with Citizens Advice for the specific figures.
What is Carer's Premium?
If you receive certain means-tested benefits (UC, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction), a carer's premium or carer element is added to your award when you're entitled to Carer's Allowance. This is worth checking with Citizens Advice.
Can my elderly parent get a Blue Badge?
Blue Badges are for people with severe walking difficulties or who are registered blind. They are issued by local councils and are means-tested only in some circumstances. Apply online through your local council.
📞 Free help and support
Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234
Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848
Turn2Us: turn2us.org.uk — benefits calculator
Age UK: 0800 678 1602 — advice for older people
⚠ Important disclaimer: This guide covers family and elderly benefits in England, Wales and Scotland as at July 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice. Verify with ACAS, GOV.UK or Citizens Advice before acting. ukworkrights.co.uk — Not a law firm.