Life Changes
When Life Changes, Your Entitlements Can Too
Major life events often affect your income, benefits and financial responsibilities. During times of change, it’s easy to overlook support that may be available.
Whether you’re welcoming a child, facing redundancy, becoming a carer or coping with loss, there may be financial assistance or adjustments that apply to your situation.
Below is an overview of areas worth reviewing.
Becoming a Parent
Having a baby can affect your income, working hours and eligibility for support.
You may wish to review:
Statutory Maternity or Paternity Pay
Maternity Allowance
Child Benefit
Tax-Free Childcare
Universal Credit changes
Redundancy or Reduced Income
If you’ve lost your job or your hours have reduced, your entitlement to benefits or tax credits may change.
You may need to review:
Universal Credit
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Council Tax Reduction
Help to Save
Separation or Divorce
Changes in household income, living arrangements and childcare responsibilities can affect benefit entitlement and tax allowances.
It’s important to review:
Child Benefit arrangements
Universal Credit
Council Tax Support
Marriage Allowance status
Becoming a Carer
If you begin caring for someone for 35 hours or more per week, you may be eligible for additional support.
Carer’s Allowance and other benefits may apply depending on your circumstances.
Bereavement
Losing a partner is an incredibly difficult experience, and financial matters can feel overwhelming.
Bereavement Support Payment and other adjustments to benefits may be available during this time.
Retirement or Reaching Pension Age
When you reach State Pension age, your benefit structure changes.
You may wish to review:
State Pension
Pension Credit
Winter Fuel Payment
Council Tax Reduction
A Quick Note
Life changes can feel overwhelming, especially when finances are involved. The information above is general guidance and eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Always check official GOV.UK sources for the most up-to-date criteria.
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Copyright 2026 © Kim Jelley
Supporting families to save money and helping employers strengthen their workplaces through practical financial wellbeing support.