Have you ever wondered how the government can help its citizens? Where does the money come from, and in what form it is given? Welfare benefits might not be the first thing that pops up in your mind, but they may be a great source of help for many around you.
So, what exactly are welfare benefits? They represent money paid by the government to individuals and families in need. Money is usually raised through taxation and can be received by both employed and unemployed people, depending on factors such as personal income or family size. Many people will claim welfare benefits at some point in their life: if they need help to pay their rent while they are looking for work, waiting to start a new job, or are in low-paid work, for example.
The good news is there are many types of welfare benefits, meaning people in many different circumstances can benefit from them. Let us sum up here some of them:
The main welfare benefit for working-aged people is now Universal Credit, which helps cover living costs and is paid monthly. We also have New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), which is paid to unemployed or part-time employed individuals who are actively seeking work, and the Council Tax Reduction can be claimed by low-income individuals (and by those receiving other benefits) to help pay their Council tax.
Next in line comes the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), offering financial support to those with a disability or illness that impacts their ability to work. People who have a health condition/ disability which affects their ability to carry out “daily living”/ “mobility” activities may also be entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), offered regardless of whether they are employed or not. It might be useful to know that this last benefit is not means-tested, and can be paid in addition to Universal Credit, New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, and a few other welfare benefits.
It might also be useful to know about Carer’s Allowance for people caring for a disabled or ill person, or about Child Benefit if you are bringing up a child under 16 (or 20 under certain conditions). Also, the Bereavement Support Payment is offered to those whose spouse/ civil partner died in the last 21 months.
Oh, I almost forgot! If you have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), you won’t be able to claim benefits considered public funds (such as Universal Credit or Child Benefit), but there are some benefits which you can still access (New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, for example).
Now, it would take too much time to get into detail for all of them, so here are my last tips for you: if you believe you or someone you know might be eligible to receive welfare benefits, go on the UK Government website to learn more about the types of welfare benefits available, eligibility requirements and application steps.
If you require further assistance, the following charities can provide help: Citizens Advice, Turn2us, Shelter. Meanwhile, the university’s Student Services Online has an article called ‘Claiming welfare benefits when your course ends’, providing information related to help and benefits you may be able to claim after graduation. And most importantly, King’s College London’s specialist advisors can also offer support to welfare benefits-related inquiries.
Ilinca Olteanu
King’s Student Money Mentor
Part of Money & Housing Advice
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