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Means-Tested vs Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Understand the difference between means-tested and non-means-tested UK benefits, which benefits fall into each category, and how this affects your eligibility.

Means-Tested Benefits

Maximum amount

Varies by benefit and circumstances

Means-tested

Yes

Age group

Varies by benefit

Key features

  • Eligibility depends on income and savings
  • Amount you receive reduces as income increases
  • Savings over £16,000 may disqualify you (varies by benefit)
  • Partner's income and savings are usually counted
  • Examples: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction
  • May require regular reporting of income changes

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Maximum amount

Varies by benefit

Means-tested

No

Age group

Varies by benefit

Key features

  • Eligibility is not based on income or savings
  • You can work and still receive the benefit
  • Partner's income does not affect eligibility
  • Based on other criteria such as health, caring responsibilities, or NI contributions
  • Examples: PIP, Attendance Allowance, Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, New Style ESA
  • Generally simpler income rules

Key Differences

Income test

Means-Tested Benefits

Your income is assessed and affects the amount you receive

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Your income is not assessed and does not affect eligibility

Savings

Means-Tested Benefits

Savings are assessed; high savings may disqualify you

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Savings are generally not assessed

Partner's finances

Means-Tested Benefits

Partner's income and savings are usually taken into account

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Partner's finances are generally not relevant

Employment

Means-Tested Benefits

Working may reduce or end your entitlement

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

You can generally work without affecting your entitlement

Interaction

Means-Tested Benefits

Receiving non-means-tested benefits may increase means-tested entitlement

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Receiving means-tested benefits does not usually affect non-means-tested benefits

Which Could Be Right for You?

Many people may be eligible for both means-tested and non-means-tested benefits at the same time. Non-means-tested benefits such as PIP and Attendance Allowance are based on how your condition affects you, regardless of your financial situation. Means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit depend on your income and savings. Importantly, receiving a non-means-tested disability benefit can actually increase the amount of means-tested benefits you receive — for example, receiving PIP can add a disability element to your Universal Credit.

Can You Claim Both?

Yes, in most cases you can receive both means-tested and non-means-tested benefits at the same time. In fact, claiming non-means-tested benefits first can be advantageous, as they can act as gateway benefits that increase your entitlement to means-tested support. For example, receiving PIP daily living component may entitle your carer to claim Carer's Allowance, and may increase your Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

Learn More About Each Benefit

Means-Tested Benefits

Varies by benefit and circumstances · Varies by benefit

View benefit details

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Varies by benefit · Varies by benefit

View benefit details

Frequently Asked Questions

Which benefits are means-tested?
The main means-tested benefits in the UK include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Income Support, income-based JSA, and income-related ESA. Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit (legacy benefits) are also means-tested. For these benefits, your income, savings, and household circumstances are all taken into account when determining eligibility and the amount you could receive.
Which benefits are non-means-tested?
The main non-means-tested benefits include PIP, Attendance Allowance, DLA, New Style ESA (contribution-based), New Style JSA (contribution-based), Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, Maternity Allowance, Industrial Injuries Benefit, and Bereavement Support Payment. For these benefits, your income and savings are generally not relevant to your eligibility.
Does receiving PIP affect my Universal Credit?
PIP itself is not counted as income for Universal Credit purposes, so it does not reduce your UC payment. In fact, receiving PIP may increase your UC by adding a disability element (Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity element). Receiving PIP daily living component can also be beneficial for other reasons, such as enabling a carer to claim Carer's Allowance and potentially exempting you from the benefit cap.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.