Social security benefits—eligibility, claiming and key legislation, including means-tested, contributory and disability benefits, capital and tariff income rules, and the transition to Universal Credit

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Practice notes

Welfare benefits

Welfare support has been reshaped, with several payments consolidated or replaced. Universal credit was meant to take over working‑age benefits by 2016/17, but that target was missed. The managed move from working‑age benefits to universal credit was accelerated in April 2024, with completion expected by March 2026. At present, both systems run side by side, which can cause confusion for practitioners. State benefits can be grouped into four areas:

Income maintenance benefits (non‑means tested)—intended to replace earnings, with a limited amount of work sometimes permitted. They are not means tested and a partner’s income is not taken into account
Benefits for disabled people and families—set to recognise the extra costs linked to disability
Means‑tested benefits—assessed on both members of a couple and often acting as a top‑up because social security rates are so low
Tax credits—paid to older people who remain in work and are responsible for dependent children. No new claims are allowed; instead, a claim would now be for additional universal credit or the pension credit child addition if both partners are...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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