10. Low income benefits
If your income is low and you do not have savings of more than £16,000, you may be able to claim universal credit to top up your income. See
Chapters 14 to 19.
If you (and your partner, if you have one) have reached pension age, you will need to claim pension credit instead. See
Chapter 45.
Carer amount and additional amount for carers
If you get universal credit and meet the qualifying conditions for carer’s allowance (or would do so but for the fact that your earnings are too high) or you are entitled to carer support payment (CSP), a carer amount is included in your award (see
Chapter 15(7)).
If you get pension credit and you or your partner are entitled to carer’s allowance or CSP, an ‘additional amount for carers’ is included in your award.