State Benefits – What is taxable and what is not

tiemadmin • 1 May 2025

Not all state benefits are tax-free! Some, like the State Pension and Carer’s Allowance, are taxable, while others, like PIP and Universal Credit, are not. Knowing the difference can help you stay on top of your tax responsibilities and avoid surprises.

HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most common state benefits on which Income Tax is payable, subject to the usual limits:

  • Bereavement Allowance (previously Widow’s Pension)
  • Carer’s Allowance or (in Scotland only) Carer Support Payment
  • Contribution-Based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Incapacity Benefit (from the 29th week you receive it)
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Pensions Paid by the Industrial Death Benefit Scheme
  • The State Pension
  • Widowed Parent’s Allowance

The most common state benefits that are not subject to Income Tax include:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Bereavement Support Payment
  • Child Benefit (income-based – use the Child Benefit tax calculator to see if you’ll have to pay tax)
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Free TV Licence for Over-75s
  • Guardian’s Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support – though you may have to pay tax on Income Support if you’re involved in a strike
  • Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit
  • Lump-Sum Bereavement Payments
  • Maternity Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • War Widow’s Pension
  • Winter Fuel Payments and Christmas Bonus

Understanding which state benefits are taxable and which are tax-free is important in order to understand the tax implications and ensure compliance with HMRC rules. If you are receiving any of the benefits listed and are unsure about your tax obligations, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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