Benefits for Single People

The cost-of-living crisis has impacted households of all sizes up and down the UK, but with no one to share rising expenses with, single people could be affected more than most, especially if they also have children to care for. Charity Gingerbread states that 43% of single-parent families are in poverty, compared to 26% of coupled households.

Of course, living alone comes with its perks, but it can also pose significant financial challenges.

As a single person, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re claiming any benefits and discounts that you’re eligible for.

What benefits can I claim if I’m single? The Little Loans guide to benefits for single people runs through the main sources of financial help that you may be entitled to claim.

1. How much can a single person get on benefits?

There isn’t one set sum of money that someone can claim in benefits if they’re single. Unfortunately, simply being a single-person household doesn’t automatically qualify you for any benefits. Other eligibility requirements must be met before you can apply.

If you live alone or are the only adult in your household counted for Council Tax purposes, you can claim a 25% discount. You’ll need to apply for your discount directly with your local council, which you can find by inputting your postcode here.

If you’re on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits, you could be entitled to further money off your Council Tax. This is called Council Tax Reduction, sometimes referred to as Council Tax Support. You’ll need to meet certain criteria and provide evidence, but if approved, you could get up to a 100% reduction, depending on your circumstances. You can find out more about Council Tax Reduction here.

2. Universal Credit for single people

Those on a low income or out of work could get help with their living expenses by claiming Universal Credit, a type of benefit that’s paid monthly, or twice a month if you live in Scotland.

Please note that Universal Credit is not just for single households, although how much you could get will depend on how many people are in your household, amongst other factors, including how much you earn if you’re working.

You can check your eligibility for Universal Credit here.

If you’re single, the standard allowances for Universal Credit are:

3. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for single people

If you have a long-term disability or a physical or mental illness, you may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP is tax-free, and as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can claim PIP even if you’re employed.

As part of your PIP application, you’ll be asked to score a number of tasks based on how easy or difficult you find them. This will usually be done with a health professional. The scores you provide will be added together and included in a report for the Department of Working Pensions (DWP). This will influence the amount of money you could be awarded.

There are two different PIP payments for both daily living and mobility tasks: a lower weekly rate and a higher weekly rate.

If you’re over State Pension age, you are generally unable to claim PIP, but could be eligible for Attendance Allowance instead.

A single person who is approved for PIP will be eligible for the same rates as a multi-person household applicant. Your PIP payments are based on your daily living and mobility; the number of people living in your home has no bearing on your application.

Your marital status and number of household members do not affect your PIP claim, so you can apply even if you’re single or living alone. You’ll just need to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements before you apply.

4. Benefits for older single people

If you’re over State Pension age and are on a low income, you could be eligible for Pension Credit. To qualify for Pension Credit as a single person, your weekly income will need to be less than £227.10. Your income can include earnings from either contracted or self-employed work, your State Pension, private pension(s), and certain benefits. You can check your full eligibility and apply for Pension Credit here.

If you’re over the age of 75 and receive Pension Credit, you could get a free TV licence.

5. Child Maintenance

While this isn’t a type of benefit, it’s worth noting that if you’ve separated or divorced and your child(ren) are under the age of 16, or 20 if they’re in full-time education, and primarily live with you, your ex-partner is required to pay you Child Maintenance. Even if your ex-partner no longer has contact with your child(ren), they must still pay Child Maintenance.

Child Maintenance can be arranged between parents, or through the Child Maintenance Service, which will help you work out how much to pay and take action if payments are not made.

To find out more about Child Maintenance and learn how else the Child Maintenance Service could help you, visit the Gov.uk website.

If you receive Universal Credit, it’s worth noting that Child Maintenance payments will not affect this.

6. Child Benefit

If you’re raising a child under the age of 16, or 20 if they remain in full-time education, you are entitled to claim Child Benefit. Only one parent can claim Child Benefit, and there is no limit on the number of children you can claim for.

How much Child Benefit do single parents get? The Child Benefit payment amount is the same for single parents as it is for multi-parent households. You will get £26.05 per week for your eldest or only child, and £17.25 per week for any additional children.

For further information or to start a Child Benefit claim, please click here.

Charity Turn2Us share that households with a weekly income of less than £296 could be considered ‘low income’. Remember, your income doesn’t just mean money earned through a main job; it can also include any benefits that you currently receive, and any money made from a side hustle, such as dog walking or content creation.

If you’re still unsure whether you could be eligible for any single person benefits, you can check your entitlement on the free Turn2Us Benefits Calculator.

In 2023, £23bn worth of benefits went unclaimed in the UK, so even if you don’t think you’re eligible, it’s worth a check.

Money worries can be difficult to navigate, but you don’t have to face this on your own. Many charities and organisations in the UK offer free advice and guidance to those having difficulties with money and debt management. You can access a range of information and support through the following websites:

• StepChange
• MoneyHelper
• Citizens Advice
• National Debtline.

Gingerbread is a UK-based charity for single-parent families. You can find advice on various topics, including finances, on their website.