Universal Credit claimants and those on other DWP benefits may be entitled to a number of freebies and discount which provide some financial relief amid the cost of living crisis.
As summer begins, claimants are being urged to see if they can get help with food bills, travel costs and broadband this July.
What someone is eligible for will depend on their personal circumstances, so it’s important to know what help is potentially available.
These are some options available:
Help with health costs
Those receiving Universal Credit may also qualify for help with health costs.
Britons can qualify for help with health costs if, on the date they claim, they either:
- receive Universal Credit and either had no earnings or had take-home pay of £435 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period
- receive Universal Credit, which includes an element for a child, or them (or their partner) had limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA), and they either had no earnings or take-home pay of £935 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period
Help to Save is a scheme available to those on Universal Credit
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If someone is entitled because they get Universal Credit and their latest take-home pay is under the limit, they could get:
Help to Save scheme – £1,200 bonus
Help to Save is a scheme available to those on Universal Credit and offers a 50 per cent bonus on any savings they make. Savers can add up to £50 each month for four years.
If people added the maximum amount each month for 48 months, they would end up with a £1,200 bonus.
Free or cheaper broadband costs – Up to £300 savings
Broadband providers offer social tariffs, which provide internet access at a significantly reduced monthly cost. This could result in savings of £300.
There’s a list of all the providers which offer social tariffs on regulator Ofcom’s website.
Council Tax support
Those on a low income can benefit from Council Tax Support and get money off their bills. The discount one gets will vary depending on their circumstances and where they live.
The average Band D council tax bill currently standing at £2,171 a year so people could cut their bills by hundreds or even thousands. For more information, Britons can contact their local council.
Travel – up to 50 per cent off
People who claim Universal Credit get 50 per cent off train and bus fares thanks to the Jobcentre Plus discount. It can be applied on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line (except between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London.
Pregnancy grant – worth £442
The Sure Start Maternity grant is a one-off payment worth £500 to help with the cost of having a child.
Claimants will usually qualify for the grant if both of the following apply:
- They are expecting their first child, or they are expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already
- They or their partner already claim certain benefits
People must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within six months after the baby’s birth.
Disabled disability grant – worth £500
People could get a grant from their council if they’re disabled and need to make changes to their home.
How much someone gets usually depends on their household income and household savings over £6,000. In England claimants can get up to 30,000
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Supermarket vouchers – worth £442
The Healthy Start scheme means new or expectant parents can get £442 of food a year.
People who get Universal Credit can apply if they are more than 10 weeks pregnant, have at least one child under four or if their family’s earned income (which is also called take-home pay) is £408 or less from employment.
Water bills support
Larger families on Universal Credit or other benefits may be eligible for a cap on their bills under the WaterSure scheme.
The WaterSure scheme can help cap a household’s bills. They always use the average price based on what other customers pay. For this year (2024/25), for example, they will cap bills at £471. If they already use less, they’ll keep paying less.
Claimants will need to have a water meter and either:
- A medical condition that requires extra water or
- Three or more children under the age of 19 living at the property making them eligible for child benefits
