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.
Child Benefit is paid to whoever is responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training). From April 2026:
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 is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age. It tops up your income if it falls below:
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 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:
Attendance Allowance can also unlock other benefits and council tax reductions. It does not affect most other benefits.
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.
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.
Use entitledto.co.uk or Turn2Us. Many families and pensioners miss out on significant amounts. A calculator shows you quickly what you should be receiving.
It unlocks many other benefits. Apply at gov.uk/pension-credit or call the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234.
Claim 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.
It'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.
Earning above £204/week net stops your Carer's Allowance completely. Plan any paid work carefully.
Request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of any decision you think is wrong. If upheld, appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
Describe your situation and get guidance on the family and elderly benefits you may be able to claim.
Use the Free Checker →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
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