How to Increase Your Household Income
If you're struggling to make ends meet, increasing your household income can help improve your financial wellbeing and reduce pressure on your monthly budget.
While reducing spending can be helpful, increasing the amount of money coming into your household can often have an even bigger impact.
There are a number of ways to boost your income, and you may be entitled to support or financial assistance that you are not currently receiving.
Start With a Benefits Check
Many people miss out on benefits and financial support they are entitled to.
A benefits check can identify whether you could claim:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing support
- Other grants and support schemes
Even a small increase in income can make a significant difference over time.
Check For Cost of Living Support
Additional support may be available through:
- Household Support Fund
- Energy support schemes
- Water bill assistance schemes
- Charitable grants
- Local welfare assistance programmes
Many of these schemes are not automatically awarded, so it is important to check what support is available in your area.
Make Sure You're Receiving All Child-Related Support
If you have children, you may be entitled to additional financial help, including:
- Child Benefit
- Universal Credit child elements
- Childcare support
- Healthy Start
- Free school meals
- School clothing grants in some areas
Ensuring you receive all available support can help increase household income and reduce everyday costs.
Review Your Employment Situation
If you are working, consider whether there may be opportunities to increase your income through:
- Additional hours
- Overtime
- Training or qualifications
- Career progression opportunities
- Higher-paid employment opportunities
Before making any changes, consider how increased earnings may affect any benefits you currently receive.
Claim Financial Support for Health Conditions
Many people with long-term health conditions or disabilities do not realise they may be eligible for additional financial support.
Benefits such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
are based on how your condition affects your daily life rather than whether you are working.
Receiving these benefits may also increase entitlement to other forms of support.
Check Whether You Qualify as a Carer
If you regularly care for someone with a disability or health condition, you may be entitled to:
- Carer's Allowance
- Additional Universal Credit support
- Local authority support services
Many carers do not realise they qualify for financial assistance.
Reduce Unclaimed Household Discounts
Increasing your disposable income is not always about earning more money.
You may be able to improve your financial position by accessing discounts and reductions on household bills, including:
- Council Tax Reduction
- Single Person Discount
- Warm Home Discount
- Water bill assistance schemes
- Social tariffs for broadband and telephone services
Reducing bills can leave more money available for essential spending.
Explore Grants and Charitable Support
Grants may be available for people experiencing financial hardship.
Depending on your circumstances, support may be available for:
- Energy costs
- Household items
- Disability-related expenses
- Education and training
- Emergency financial hardship
Many grants do not need to be repaid.
Review Your Savings and Financial Products
Check whether you are:
- Paying unnecessary bank charges.
- Using the most suitable bank account.
- Receiving a competitive interest rate on savings.
- Paying more than necessary for insurance policies.
Keep Your Financial Information Up To Date
Many forms of financial support depend on your circumstances.
If your circumstances change, it is important to update:
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- Your local council
- Housing providers where applicable
Changes may increase your entitlement to support.
Common Ways People Miss Out on Income
Some of the most common missed opportunities include:
- Not claiming Pension Credit.
- Not claiming Council Tax Reduction.
- Not claiming disability benefits.
- Missing grant opportunities.
- Not completing a benefits check after a change in circumstances.
- Not claiming support as an unpaid carer.
A quick review of your finances may uncover additional income you didn't realise was available.
Benefits of Increasing Your Household Income
Increasing income can help you:
✅ Reduce debt more quickly
✅ Build emergency savings
✅ Improve financial stability
✅ Reduce money worries
✅ Improve your overall wellbeing
Need Help?
Our advisors can help you:
- Complete a benefits check.
- Maximise your household income.
- Identify grants and financial support.
- Reduce household costs.
- Create a realistic budget.
- Improve your financial wellbeing.
Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.