How to do a free benefits check this autumn
Key points
- A free online benefits check takes under 10 minutes and may show money you are not currently claiming.
- April 2026 changes — including the removal of the two-child limit — mean some families may now be entitled to more support.
- Citizens Advice offers free, personalised help at local offices if your situation is complicated or you need help with forms.
The new school year has just started. Winter energy bills are a few months away. Both are good reasons to check you are getting all the support you are entitled to.
A free online check takes under 10 minutes. It may show benefits you are not claiming, or that your current payment is lower than it could be.
Why September is a good time to check
Several things changed in April 2026 that could mean you are now entitled to more.
The two-child limit was removed on 6 April 2026. If you have three or more children and claim Universal Credit, you can now get a child element for each of them. If you had a child recently, or did not tell the DWP about a third or later child, your payment may not yet reflect this.
The Universal Credit standard allowance also increased in April 2026 — from £400.14 to £424.90 a month for a single person aged 25 or over. If you have not checked your entitlement since last year, a calculator will use the updated figures.
With winter approaching, it is also worth checking whether you qualify for the Warm Home Discount or Cold Weather Payments before those qualifying windows open later in the year.
How to check for free
The GOV.UK benefits calculator page (gov.uk/benefits-calculators) lists the free tools recommended by the government.
The Turn2us benefits calculator covers Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, and Carer's Allowance. You will need to know your monthly take-home pay, your rent, your savings, and your Council Tax amount. It takes around 10 minutes.
entitledto offers a similar check and can pick up some local-authority schemes that other calculators miss. Both are free to use.
To get the most accurate result, have recent payslips, a copy of your tenancy agreement, and your bank statements to hand before you start.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →Getting personalised help
If your situation is complicated — for example, you are self-employed, you care for someone, or you have irregular income — Citizens Advice can give you free, personalised help.
You do not need an appointment at most Citizens Advice offices. You can also call the free Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 (Monday to Friday) or get help online at citizensadvice.org.uk.
What to do next
If a check shows you could be getting more:
- Universal Credit claimants: report the change in your online journal or ask your work coach.
- Housing Benefit claimants: contact your local council's benefits team.
- Not yet claiming: you can apply at gov.uk/apply-universal-credit or call the UC helpline on 0800 328 5644.
If you think a past DWP decision was wrong, you have the right to request a mandatory reconsideration. Citizens Advice can guide you through that process for free.
Frequently asked questions
I already get Universal Credit — do I still need to check?
Yes. A new address, a new child, or a change in earnings can all affect how much you get. Report any change in your journal and use a calculator to check you are not missing out.
Do the calculators cover Scotland and Wales?
Yes. The Turn2us and entitledto calculators both cover England, Scotland, and Wales. Some benefits — like council tax reduction — vary by council, so treat your result as an estimate. Northern Ireland has a separate system — visit nidirect.gov.uk for help.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators