Health and welfare support

Government health and welfare support and benefits

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Benefits

The Government offer a range of benefits depending on your needs. Since the new Government some of the benefits available have changed and are no longer available, so it is worth checking out what is now available and what you may be eligible for.

Check what Government benefits you can get by visiting the Check benefits and financial support you can get  (GOV.UK).

Alternatively, you can check out what benefits you might be entitled to by simply inputting some of your details into the Better Off Calculator. This can work out, based on the details you provide, what you might be entitled to but may not be claiming.

Check benefits

Changes to Universal Credit from April 2026

The government have announced changes to Universal Credit that will affect everyone from April 2026. These changes are the result of the Universal Credit Act 2025 and the November 2025 budget.

The amount of Universal Credit you get will change. This is because the Universal Credit 'standard allowance' is increasing. A monthly Universal Credit payment is made up of a standard allowance plus any additional amounts you might get based on your circumstances.

The government are also planning to remove the 2 child limit for Universal Credit from April 2026. This means you might get more Universal Credit if you’re responsible for 3 or more children.

You might also be affected by the April 2026 changes if you get an additional amount because you have a long-term health condition or a disability. This payment is called the 'limited capability for work-related activity' (LCWRA) element. The amount is decreasing for most people who apply for the LCWRA element on or after 6 April 2026.

If you get any other benefits, they will not be affected - the changes only apply to Universal Credit. For example, if you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it will not be affected by these changes.

Citizens Advice have a useful breakdown of the changes on their Check how Universal Credit is changing web pages.

Support with living costs

Find out what support is available to help with bills and costs in England. This includes support with utility bills, support from your local council and Council Tax Reduction. Cost of living support: Living costs: bills, housing and health (GOV.UK).

Help if you cannot pay your tax bill visit If you cannot pay your tax bill on time (GOV.UK).

Money Helper website is the Government's money manager tool that gives you free confidential money help that's quick to find. It offers impartial guidance and a range of tools to help make your money and pension choices clearer.

There are a number of local charities available that can give confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt.

Visit the Breathing Space website. It provides temporary protection from most types of debt collection, with added protection if you are receiving mental health crisis treatment.

Great British Summer Savings scheme

UK Government announced on 20 May a new initiative "Great British Summer Savings" to help with the cost of bus travel and food costs  Cost of living boost with free bus travel for children and targeted food tariff cuts (GOV.UK).

Support to get work

Surrey Skills Training and Employment Portal (STEP) can help you find jobs in Surrey, learn new skills and get free employment support. Visit Skills, Training and Employment Portal - STEP Surrey

Support for disabled people or those with have a health condition

Find out what support is available if you're disabled or have a health condition (GOV.UK) in England. This includes disability benefits, the Disability Cost of Living Payment and support with prescriptions and health costs.

Support for over 60s

Find out what support is available if you're 60 or over (GOV.UK) in England. This includes checking your eligibility for Pension Credit, discounted travel and how to check your State Pension.

Pension Credit

Claiming Pension Credit is important because it means you may also get:

  • A free TV licence if you’re 75 or over
  • Help with NHS costs (like dental treatment, glasses, and transport)

How to claim Pension Credit

Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (freephone). They will ask you for the following information, so please have any paperwork ready before you call:

  • Your National Insurance Number
  • Information about your income, savings and investments
  • Your bank account details

If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 99 1234. A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the telephone.

You can also claim Pension Credit on the official Government website: How to claim Pension Credit.

Support with claiming Pension Credit

We are working with Age UK Surrey to help older residents across Surrey. If you would like help applying for Pension Credit, please contact Age UK Surrey .

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 28 June 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

If you're eligible you will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically , in most cases you do not need to apply. Eligible recipients will receive a letter in October or November confirming how much money they will receive, with payments automatically being paid in November or December.

If your income is over £35,000 His Majesty's Revenues and Customs (HMRC) will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. To see if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back, you can complete a check here: Check if HMRC will take back your winter payment,

For more information on the Winter Fuel Payment, please visit: Winter Fuel Payment (GOV.UK)

Pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month. Please see press release from UK Government with details and guidance Pensioners urged to be alert to Winter Fuel Payment scams (GOV.UK).

Help with heating

Oil costs 16 March 2026

Over £50 million to help families struggling with soaring heating oil costs (GOV.UK).

To bridge the gap, the Chancellor has announced over £50 million of targeted financial support, helping low-income households in rural communities who have no choice but to top up their tanks at a time when oil prices have risen so significantly.

Surrey County Council has received confirmation from the Government of funding for Surrey, which will be a top-up of funding to the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Surrey was identified as one of the UK areas that have higher rates of heating oil, such as rural communities.

The eligibility requirements and ways of applying for funding will need to be worked out and we will update our web pages and relevant partners , to ensure that funding is given to the right people in the easiest way possible.

Cold weather payments

If you're getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, you may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0OC or below over seven consecutive days. The scheme for 2025 to 2026 winter season will run from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026. Cold Weather Payments are different to Winter Fuel Payments. Find out more about the Cold Weather Payment (GOV.UK)

WaterSure -  help with your water bills

WaterSure is a government scheme which helps some people with their water bills. To apply for the scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children.

You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed. You can apply for WaterSure by filling out a form from your water company provided here:

Support for those with children or are expecting a child

Find out what support is available with childcare and maternity costs (GOV.UK) in England. This includes free childcare hours and free school meals.

For more information on help with childcare costs, free school meals, school uniforms, holiday clubs visit Free School Meals and Pupil Premium Benefits web pages.

Carer benefits and financial support

If you regularly spend time caring for someone, you might be able to get to help with your living costs. Find out what support is available by visiting Help for carers (GOV.UK).

Housing Benefit or Council Tax support

If you need help with Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support please contact your local district and borough Council. To find your local council and see what help and support is available, visit our Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support web pages.

Be Scam Aware

Criminals will try a variety of methods to gain your personal or banking information so please be aware of who you share your details with. Do not click links or reply to unsolicited texts or emails. For further scams advice please see the Surrey County Council Trading Standards website.

Trading Standards have a fortnightly newsletter where you can keep up to date with the latest scams, product recalls and alerts about rogue traders. Trading Standards newsletter.

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