1. Benefits for Children and Pregnant Women
1) Child Benefit: Regardless of your income or how much National Insurance you pay, as long as you have responsibility for a child, you are eligible to receive Child Benefit. This benefit is for children under 16, or those aged 16 to 18 who are still in non-advanced education.
2) Family Credit: If you work at least 16 hours per week, have a low income, and are responsible for at least one child (under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education), you are eligible to apply. The amount depends on family income and the number of children.
3) Guardian's Allowance: Guardians responsible for children whose parents have both passed away are eligible to apply for the Guardian's Allowance and Child Benefit.
4) Statutory Maternity Pay: When an employee is pregnant, the employer must pay wages, the amount of which depends on the employee's income.
5) Lone Parent Benefit: Individuals who are single parents and solely responsible for children can receive this benefit. In addition to Child Benefit, this is only paid for the first child.
6) Maternity Allowance: Designed for those who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. The rate is £44.55 per week.
7) Social Fund Maternity Grant: For those receiving Income Support, Family Credit, or Disability Working Allowance with savings below £500. The amount is £100.
8) Child Maintenance: Allows you to claim appropriate maintenance from a separated partner to support the children's living expenses.
2. Disability and Sickness Benefits
1) Attendance Allowance: For disabled individuals over 65 who require frequent care. If the applicant is terminally ill, special arrangements can be made for expedited payment.
2) Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit: For those unable to work due to work-related injuries or industrial diseases.
3) Disability Living Allowance: For those who are ill and require care, or those who need assistance to walk.
4) Disability Working Allowance: For those who can work at least 16 hours per week. Their employment opportunities may be affected by illness or disability; applicants must be over 16.
5) Severe Disablement Allowance: Must be over 16 and unable to work for 28 weeks.
6) Invalid Care Allowance: For those aged 16 to 65 who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a severely disabled person who is eligible for the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. After deducting reasonable expenses, the applicant's weekly income must not exceed £50, and they must not be in full-time employment.
7) Incapacity Benefit: For employees who do not qualify for Statutory Sick Pay from their employers, the self-employed, and the unemployed. Applicants must have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions.
8) Statutory Sick Pay: For illness lasting 4 days or more, for a period not exceeding 28 weeks. The employee's weekly income must exceed £58. The Statutory Sick Pay available is £52.50 per week.
3. Retirement Benefits
Basic retirement benefits are for those who have reached retirement age (60 for women, 65 for men) and meet the National Insurance contribution requirements. Those caring for minor children may receive additional benefits.
4. Widow's Benefits
1) Widow's Payment: A lump sum of £1,000 for widows whose husbands were not eligible for a pension at the time of death, provided the widow is under 60.
2) Widowed Mother's Allowance: For widows with at least one child for whom they are eligible to receive Child Benefit, or for widows who were pregnant at the time of their husband's death. This allowance is taxable.
3) Widow's Pension: For applicants aged 45 or older, or those who have ceased receiving the Widowed Mother's Allowance. The amount is determined by age and when the previous allowance ceased.
5. Unemployment Benefits
Paid every two weeks for a period of one year. Applicants must be capable of and actively seeking work, and must have paid sufficient Class 1 National Insurance contributions.
6. Benefits for Low-Income Individuals
1) Income Support: For those over 18 with income below a certain level who work no more than 16 hours per week. Applicants must be capable of work and actively seeking employment.
2) Residential Care and Nursing Home Allowance: For applicants who entered a residential or nursing home for care before March 31, 1993. They may receive a higher amount of Income Support to cover care costs.
3) Council Tax Benefit: Handled by the local council to assist low-income individuals in paying their Council Tax.
4) Housing Benefit: The council pays rent on behalf of those in need.
5) Health Costs Assistance: Covers free prescriptions, dental care, eye tests, glasses, or contact lenses.
6) Other Assistance: Applicants receiving Income Support, Family Credit, or Disability Working Allowance who have relatives in prison may receive travel assistance.
7. Social Fund
For individuals who have difficulty covering certain expenses from their daily income, including pregnancy, emergency expenses, interest-free loans, community care grants, etc.
It must be said that the UK's comprehensive welfare system contributes to the formation of the steady British character. Compared to the high-pressure, fast-paced reality in China, UK immigration is indeed a way for Chinese people to escape their current situation and enjoy a high quality of life.
