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Thousands of people across the UK are missing out on financial support they're already entitled to - simply because they don't know it exists, or they assume they won't qualify.

If you work, or have worked, in the automotive industry, you may be able to claim a range of benefits that could make a real difference to your monthly income. Whether you're dealing with a drop in earnings, managing a disability or health condition, caring for a family member, or just struggling with the cost of living - there's likely support available to you.

This guide explains the main types of financial support available in the UK, who qualifies, and how Ben can help you navigate the system with free, confidential advice.

Not sure where to start? Use the free Benefits Calculator from Turn2Us to get a personalised breakdown of what you may be entitled to - it takes around 10 minutes and covers over 1,000 grants and benefits.

Why so many people miss out on benefits

Claiming benefits can feel complicated, and many people hold back for the wrong reasons.

Common reasons people don't claim:

  • "I won't qualify" - eligibility criteria are broader than many people realise, especially for disability and carer benefits
  • "It's too complicated" - the application process can feel daunting, but free support is available
  • "I'll manage on my own" - many benefits are designed to top up income, not replace it entirely
  • "There's stigma attached" - benefits exist to support working people at difficult times, not just those out of work

In our experience at Ben, many of the people who contact us are already eligible for support they haven't claimed. Getting that in place is often one of the first things we help with.

Benefits you could be entitled to

Below is an overview of the main benefit types available in the UK. Your eligibility depends on your circumstances - use the benefits calculator linked above or contact Ben for personalised guidance.

Universal Credit

What it is: A monthly payment to help with living costs for people who are on a low income, out of work, or unable to work.

You may qualify if you:

  • Are working but earning a low income
  • Have lost your job or been made redundant
  • Are unable to work due to illness or disability
  • Are caring for a child or a disabled person

Universal Credit replaces six older benefits (including Jobseeker's Allowance, Working Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit) into a single monthly payment. You can claim it whether you're in or out of work.

How to apply: Via GOV.UK - applications are made online and you'll need to verify your identity and provide details about your income, savings and housing costs.

If you're finding the Universal Credit process confusing or your claim has been rejected, Ben can help you understand your options and connect you with specialist benefits advice. Get in touch with our helpline.

For more information, view our complete guide to Universal Credit.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

What it is: A payment from your employer if you're too ill to work.

Key facts:

What if SSP isn't enough? If your SSP is ending or doesn't cover your costs, you may also be eligible for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Ben can help you work out the best route.

Find out more about Statutory Sick Pay here.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

What it is: Financial support if you have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work.

Two types:

  • New Style ESA - based on your National Insurance contributions, not your savings or income
  • Income-related ESA - being phased out; new claimants are directed to Universal Credit instead

If you're managing a health condition that's affecting your work in the automotive industry, ESA or the limited capability for work element of Universal Credit may be available to you.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

What it is: A benefit for people aged 16–64 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their daily life or mobility. PIP is not means-tested - it doesn't matter what you earn or how much you have in savings.

Two components:

  • Daily living component (standard or enhanced rate)
  • Mobility component (standard or enhanced rate)

You may qualify if your condition affects:

  • Preparing or eating food
  • Washing, bathing or dressing
  • Managing medication
  • Planning and making journeys
  • Moving around

PIP is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK. Many people with long-term conditions - including mental health conditions like anxiety and depression - qualify but never apply.

If you're unsure whether you qualify for PIP or need help with the application, our team can help. Contact Ben's helpline for free, confidential guidance.

Attendance Allowance

What it is: For people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability. Like PIP, it is not means-tested.

Two rates:

  • Lower rate - if you need help during the day or night
  • Higher rate - if you need help both day and night, or are terminally ill

Carer's Allowance

What it is: Financial support if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability.

You may qualify if:

  • You care for someone who receives PIP (daily living component), Attendance Allowance, or certain other disability benefits
  • You earn £204 per week (net) (from 6 April 2026) from employment
  • You're not in full-time education

Many carers in the automotive industry balance work and caring responsibilities without realising they may be entitled to this support.

Child benefit

What it is: A payment for people responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education or training).

Key points:

  • You can claim regardless of whether you're working
  • The amount depends on how many children you have
  • Higher earners may need to repay some or all through the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) - check GOV.UK for the current thresholds

Council Tax Reduction (Council tax support)

What it is: A discount on your council tax bill if you're on a low income. Each council runs its own scheme, so the rules vary, but most working-age people on low incomes can get at least some reduction.

How to apply: Contact your local council directly or check their website. You'll usually need to provide information about your income, savings and household.

Housing Benefit / housing cost support via Universal Credit

If you rent your home and are on a low income, you may be able to get help towards your rent, either through Housing Benefit (if you're already on certain legacy benefits) or through the housing element of Universal Credit.

If you're at risk of losing your home or are struggling with rent payments, Ben's welfare team can also help you access emergency support. Read more about how Ben can help with housing.

Free school meals and childcare support

If you have children, you may be entitled to:

  • Free school meals - for children in households receiving certain benefits or with income below a threshold
  • Free childcare hours - 15 or 30 hours per week for 3-4 year olds, and expanding to younger children in 2024/25 (check GOV.UK for the latest)
  • Tax-Free Childcare - up to £500 every 3 months (or £1,000 for disabled children) towards childcare costs

Help with NHS costs

If you're on a low income or certain benefits, you may qualify for free or reduced-cost NHS treatment, including:

  • Free prescriptions
  • Free NHS dental treatment
  • Free NHS sight tests and help with the cost of glasses
  • Help with hospital travel costs

Check eligibility via the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1 form) or GOV.UK.

How to check what you can claim

The quickest way to get a personalised picture of your entitlements is to use a benefits calculator. These are free and confidential.

Recommended calculators:

Tool

Best for

Turn2Us Benefits Calculator

Comprehensive: covers benefits, grants and charitable funds

EntitledTo

Fast, easy to use: good for Universal Credit estimates

GOV.UK Benefits Calculator

Government-backed: links directly to official guidance

When using a calculator, have ready:

  • Your current income (wages, pensions, any existing benefits)
  • Your household and family details
  • Information about any savings or capital
  • Details of any disability, health condition or caring responsibilities

Tips for claiming successfully

Getting your claim right first time saves time and reduces stress.

  1. Gather evidence before you apply - payslips, bank statements, medical letters, caring details
  2. Be thorough about how your condition affects you - especially for PIP and ESA. Describe your worst days, not your best
  3. Ask for help with forms - Citizens Advice, Ben, and specialist charities can assist
  4. Appeal if you're turned down - a significant proportion of initial decisions are overturned on appeal. Don't give up at the first "no"
  5. Report changes in circumstances promptly - both increases and decreases in entitlement need to be reported to avoid overpayments

What if my claim is rejected?

If a benefits claim is turned down, you have the right to challenge it. The process has two stages:

  1. Mandatory Reconsideration - ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review the decision. Do this in writing and include any additional evidence.
  2. Appeal to an independent tribunal - if the reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent First-tier Tribunal.

Around 65% - 70% of PIP appeals are successful. It's worth pursuing if you believe the decision is wrong.

Free support with reconsiderations and appeals is available from Citizens Advice, Scope (for disability benefits), and Ben's helpline.

Benefits and work - what you need to know

Many people worry that claiming benefits will affect their job or that they won't be allowed to work. In most cases, this is a misconception.

  • Universal Credit is designed for working people - payments reduce gradually as your earnings increase, rather than cutting off suddenly
  • PIP and Attendance Allowance are not affected by working - you can be employed and still receive these payments
  • Carer's Allowance has an earnings limit (currently £151/week net), but you can work within this and still claim

If you're returning to work after illness or injury, the "Permitted Work" rules may also allow you to do limited paid work without affecting your ESA.

How Ben can help

Navigating the benefits system on top of everything else life throws at you can feel overwhelming. Ben's team can help you:

  • Understand what you're entitled to - our advisers are experienced in benefits for people working in the automotive industry and their families
  • Work through the application process - we can help you prepare, gather evidence, and submit claims
  • Access hardship grants - in some circumstances, Ben may be able to provide direct financial assistance while a claim is being processed
  • Connect you with specialist debt and welfare advice - through our trusted partner network

All support is free and confidential. There's no referral needed and no waiting list for most services.

Get in touch:

For a full overview of the financial support Ben provides - including debt help, budgeting tools, and the Space from Money Worries programme - visit our money and debt support hub.

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