UK government launches AI chatbot to answer benefits, childcare and tax questions
GOV.UK Chat, a new AI tool in the GOV.UK app, lets people ask questions in plain language and get instant answers drawn from official government information. The service launches today across the UK.
Instead of calling a government helpline or searching through 80,000 web pages, people can now find information on childcare entitlements, apprenticeships, first-time buyer schemes, pensions and business support within seconds. The tool operates 24/7.
Early trials show demand is strongest around tax, driving and transport, and benefits. Research suggests up to half of calls to government helplines ask questions the chatbot could answer.
Reducing pressure on call centres
Government call centres handle around 100,000 calls per day. By answering routine queries, GOV.UK Chat frees staff to focus on complex cases that require human judgment.
Helplines and other support services remain available for people who need them.
Who benefits
Parents can check what childcare support they qualify for - potentially saving up to £8,000 through government-funded childcare. Young people can find apprenticeships or apply for a driver's licence. First-time buyers can explore Lifetime ISAs, the First Homes scheme, Stamp Duty relief and shared ownership options.
People approaching retirement can discover entitlements they might not know about, including State Pension, Pension Credit, housing support and Cold Weather Payments.
Small business owners and sole traders get instant answers on tax obligations, company setup and available grants.
How it works
Users download the GOV.UK app, sign in or create a GOV.UK One Login account, and can then ask questions like "What free childcare am I entitled to?" or "What government schemes help me buy my first home?"
The tool pulls answers from tens of thousands of pages of GOV.UK guidance and links to relevant calculators - for childcare, Stamp Duty, maternity pay and benefits eligibility.
Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary, said: "For too long, navigating government has felt like a full-time job. GOV.UK Chat changes that - putting clear, reliable information in people's hands in seconds, at any time of day."
Read more about AI for Government and AI for Customer Support.
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