Guides
UK benefits guides, in plain English
Calm, careful explainers on Universal Credit, redundancy, sick pay, rent and mortgages. We use words like may, could and indicative on purpose — only the DWP and your local council can give an official decision.
Redundancy
What benefits can I claim after redundancy?
A plain English overview of the UK benefits you may be able to claim if you've been made redundant, including Universal Credit, New Style JSA and help with rent or council tax.
6 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Redundancy
Does redundancy pay affect Universal Credit?
How statutory redundancy pay, contractual top-ups and payment in lieu of notice are treated when you claim Universal Credit in the UK.
5 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Housing
Help with rent after losing your job
Universal Credit housing element, Discretionary Housing Payments, Housing Benefit and other UK support that may help you cover rent after losing your income.
5 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Universal Credit after redundancy
A step-by-step plain English guide to claiming Universal Credit after redundancy in the UK — eligibility, what to expect, and how payments are worked out.
6 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Savings and Universal Credit explained
How savings, capital and assets affect Universal Credit in the UK, including the £6,000 and £16,000 thresholds and what counts as capital.
5 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Households
Can I claim benefits if my partner works?
How a partner's income and savings affect UK benefits like Universal Credit, New Style JSA, ESA and PIP, with plain English examples.
5 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Redundancy
What to do after losing your job in the UK
A calm, practical checklist for the first days and weeks after losing your job in the UK — benefits, bills, debts and support.
6 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Health
Benefits while signed off sick
Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit and New Style ESA — what UK employees and workers may be able to claim while signed off sick.
5 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Health
Benefits if you cannot work due to illness
Universal Credit, New Style ESA and PIP for people in the UK who can't work due to long-term illness or disability — what may be available and how it fits together.
6 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Housing
Help with mortgage payments after redundancy
Support for Mortgage Interest, lender forbearance and other UK options if you're struggling with your mortgage after losing your job.
5 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Can I claim Universal Credit if I got redundancy pay?
Yes — you can usually still claim Universal Credit after receiving redundancy pay, as long as your total savings (including the redundancy lump sum) stay under £16,000. Plain-English guide for UK households.
8 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Savings limit for Universal Credit explained (£6,000 and £16,000)
Two thresholds matter for Universal Credit: £6,000 (savings start to reduce UC) and £16,000 (UC usually stops). A plain-English guide to what counts and what doesn't.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
What happens to Universal Credit if my partner works?
If you live with a partner, Universal Credit is assessed jointly. Their take-home pay reduces your UC by about 55p in the £1 after any work allowance. Plain-English guide for UK households.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
How long does Universal Credit take after redundancy?
Your first Universal Credit payment usually arrives about five weeks after you claim. This guide explains why, what to do in the meantime, and how to request an advance.
6 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Documents you need for a Universal Credit claim
A clear checklist of the documents DWP usually asks for when you claim Universal Credit — ID, bank details, housing costs, earnings and savings. Practical guide for UK households.
6 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
What happens if my redundancy pay is delayed?
If your redundancy pay hasn't arrived on time, you can still claim Universal Credit, ask your employer for a written timeline, and apply to the Redundancy Payments Service if the employer is insolvent. Plain-English guide.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Can I claim Universal Credit if I own my home?
Yes — owning your home doesn't stop you claiming Universal Credit. The home you live in is ignored as capital. You may also qualify for Support for Mortgage Interest after a waiting period.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Help with bills while waiting for Universal Credit
Practical options for covering rent, energy, food and council tax during the five-week wait for your first Universal Credit payment. UK-focused, plain English.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Council Tax
Council Tax Reduction after redundancy
Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support) can cut your bill by up to 100% after redundancy. It's a separate scheme run by each local council. Plain-English guide to applying.
6 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
Can I get Universal Credit while working part-time?
Yes — Universal Credit is designed to top up low earnings. There's no hours limit, but earnings above your work allowance reduce UC by 55p in the £1. Plain-English guide for UK workers.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Housing
Help with rent after redundancy: what support you can claim
If you've lost your job and worry about paying rent, several types of support may help — from the Universal Credit housing element to Discretionary Housing Payments. A plain-English guide.
9 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Housing
Mortgage support after losing your job: your options
Worried about your mortgage after redundancy? You may have options — lender forbearance, Support for Mortgage Interest, and the Mortgage Charter. A calm, practical guide.
9 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Universal Credit
What happens if my savings go over £16,000?
If household savings reach £16,000, Universal Credit usually stops. But other support may still apply — New Style JSA, Council Tax Reduction, and more. A clear guide.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Couples & families
Can I get benefits if my partner earns too much?
Even when a partner earns a good wage, some benefits may still apply after redundancy. New Style JSA, Child Benefit and Council Tax Reduction don't always depend on partner income. A clear guide.
8 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Housing
Council Tax Reduction after job loss: how to apply
After redundancy, Council Tax Reduction can cut your bill significantly — sometimes to zero. It's a separate claim from Universal Credit. A clear guide to applying.
7 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Bills & essentials
Help with energy bills after redundancy: what you can claim
After job loss, several schemes may help with energy bills — from supplier hardship funds to the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments. A practical guide.
8 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Couples & families
Support for parents after losing their job
Parents have extra support routes after redundancy — child element of UC, free childcare, Healthy Start, free school meals and more. A focused guide for families.
9 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Couples & families
Can I get help with childcare costs on Universal Credit?
Universal Credit can reimburse up to 85% of childcare costs for working parents. A clear guide to who qualifies, monthly caps, and how to get costs paid up-front.
8 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Job loss
What support is available while looking for work?
Looking for work after redundancy? Several income, training and travel-cost supports may apply — UC, New Style JSA, Flexible Support Fund and more. A clear guide.
8 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Job loss
What happens if my hours are reduced?
Reduced hours, short-time working or lay-off can shrink your income overnight. UC can top up low wages — and other rights and support may apply. A clear guide.
8 min read · Updated 26 May 2026
Not sure where to start?
Take the free 15-question check for an indicative view of what you may be able to claim.