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Benefits

UK benefits and tax credits support households with children, low income or changing circumstances, but rules and applications are not always easy to follow.

We summarise how major schemes work and where to claim. Entitlement and payment amounts are decided by the relevant government departments through official channels.

Child Benefit: How to Claim and the High Income Charge

Child Benefit explained: £27.05 a week for the eldest child, £17.90 for others, who qualifies, backdating, National Insurance credits and the tax charge.

Universal Credit: Eligibility and How Payments Work

Universal Credit explained: who can claim, the £16,000 savings limit, monthly standard allowances, the 55p taper, work allowance and the first payment.

Other topics

Savings

Cash ISAs, tax on savings interest, and how your deposits are protected.

Tax

Income Tax, tax codes, allowances and how to check what you owe or are owed.

Pensions

State Pension, workplace pensions and tracing pensions from past jobs.

Credit

Borrowing responsibly, credit agreements and protection when you pay by card.

Banking

Current accounts, everyday banking and switching your bank.

Mortgages

Buying a home, mortgage basics and Stamp Duty Land Tax.

This article is general information and not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Check your own situation with HMRC, GOV.UK or a regulated adviser.