As a general checklist, check that you live in the UK, are usually aged 18 or over, are below State Pension age, and have a low income or are out of work. If you have a partner, you normally make a joint claim, and your combined savings and investments usually need to be £16,000 or less. Your immigration status, study arrangements, housing costs and caring responsibilities can affect eligibility, with some exceptions for people aged 16 or 17 or in education. Check the latest rules and use the eligibility guidance on GOV.UK, as the Department for Work and Pensions decides each claim individually.