Amid the cost of living crisis, a substantial number of people in the UK may be eligible for a range of financial support schemes and discounts facilitated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Universal Credit.
Collectively, these offers can potentially add up to a substantial £9,800, providing a much-needed lifeline for households struggling with increasing expenses.
There are websites such as Turn2us that offer tools that can help you work out whether you qualify for Universal Credit or Pension Credit. People are free to take a simple test on the government's website to find out what benefits they are entitled to.
DWP and Universal Credit Benefits
£2,171 Council Tax
People on low incomes or in receipt of benefits may find the Council Tax Reduction Scheme a golden opportunity to ease the burden of this essential expense.
Depending on your particular circumstances, such as your income, the number of children in your household, the benefits you receive, residential status and other adults in your household, you can benefit from a reduction of up to 100% on your Council Tax bill.
The scheme is available whether you own or rent your home, and whether you are unemployed or in work. To apply, you need to submit an application to your local council, which will assess your eligibility according to criteria specific to your region.
£500 Pregnancy Boost
Mothers-to-be and families anticipating the arrival of a new child can claim a one-off payment of £500, known as Sure Start Maternity Grant. This grant is designed to help offset the costs associated with bringing a new child into the family.
To benefit from this scheme, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You are expecting your first child.
- You are anticipating a multiple birth (such as twins) and already have children.
Furthermore, you and/or your partner need to be entitled to certain benefits. It is essential that you submit your claim within 11 weeks of the date of delivery or within 6 months of the birth to guarantee your eligibility.
Up to £750 Energy Bill Assistance
As energy costs soar, Ofgem has mandated energy suppliers to offer a helping hand to consumers facing financial difficulties. Assuming your supplier is aware of your situation, they are obliged to offer you a range of support measures, including:
- Comprehensive payment plan reviews: Ensuring your repayment schedule aligns with your financial capabilities.
- Affordable debt repayment plans: Restructuring outstanding balances into manageable instalments.
- Payment breaks: Temporary respite from billing obligations, though this option may not suit every situation.
- Payment reductions: Adjusting your monthly payments to a more affordable level.
- Extended payment periods: Granting additional time to settle outstanding balances.
In addition, energy companies are actively providing fuel poverty payments in the form of financial assistance to ease the burden on households in difficulty.
Up to £1,739 Free Childcare
Families with young children can make substantial savings on the cost of registered childcare through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme or the free childcare programme for working families in England.
These schemes cover a wide range of childcare providers, including registered childminders, nannies, play schemes, crèches, clubs and even homeworkers employed by registered agencies.
To benefit from the scheme, the childcare establishment must be accredited and meet the required standards.
Capping Water Bills at £1,000
Households with high water consumption, whether for medical reasons or due to the presence of a number of school-age children, the WaterSure programme offers a lifeline.
By joining the scheme, your water bill will be limited to the average rate measured in your water company's service area, ensuring that you never pay more than the typical household.
In order to be eligible, you must be receiving benefits and have a water meter installed or be waiting for one to be installed. You also need to contact your local water company or consult its website for further information and details of the application procedure.
However, if you are unsure how to contact your local water company, you can use the search tool for your local water supplier on the Water UK website.
£119 Healthcare Refunds
The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) reimburses reasonable travel costs if you have been referred by a healthcare professional for specialist NHS treatment, diagnostic tests or hospital visits.
The HTCS aims to ease the financial burden associated with accessing essential medical care, ensuring that distance and transport costs are not barriers to obtaining the treatment you need.
Up to £150 Travel Discount
Anyone actively seeking work or in contact with a Jobcentre Plus adviser will receive a 50% discount on certain train tickets with the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card.
This valuable discount is available to people in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance for 3 to 9 months (18 to 24-year-olds) or 3 to 12 months (over 25-year-olds), along with other allowance claimants who have been actively involved with a Jobcentre Plus adviser for at least three months.
Additionally, the Flexible Support Fund could be used at the sole discretion of Jobcentre Plus staff specifically to help cover travelling expenses for interviews, training sessions, or to cover the first few months of travel costs for people who have found a job.
£500 in Savings on Free School Meals
Ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals during the school day is a priority, and the Free School Meals scheme aims to do just that. Children may be eligible for this benefit if you are currently in receipt of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit (if you apply on or after April 1, 2018, and your household income is less than £7,400 a year after tax and excluding any benefits you receive)
For children benefiting directly from these services, and not via a parent or guardian, they are also eligible for free school meals.
Savings Up to £300 on Broadband
In an era where internet connectivity has become an essential utility, social tariffs offered by broadband providers aim to bridge the digital divide for those on low incomes or receiving benefits. These discounted rates can result in substantial savings, potentially up to £300 annually or nearly £20 per month, compared to standard broadband packages.
£442 for Nutritious Food and Milk
Healthy Start is available to you if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four. The scheme provides financial support in the form of a Healthy Start card, which can be used to purchase healthy food and milk in participating UK shops.
£1,000 Funeral Expenses Payment
Funeral Payment is designed to ease this burden for people on certain benefits who need help with the costs of arranging a funeral. Depending on your eligibility, you may receive up to £1,000 to contribute towards expenses such as the funeral director's fees, flowers or the coffin.
Importantly, even if this payment does not cover the full cost of the funeral, it can be a significant relief at a difficult time. The money you will receive will be deducted from the inheritance or estate left by the deceased, excluding personal effects.
Earn Up to £1,200 in Bonuses
The Help to Save programme provides a unique opportunity to earn substantial bonuses over a four-year period while saving for the future. Regular contributions to your account can earn you two tax-free bonuses:
- After two years: You'll receive a bonus equal to 50% of the highest balance you've saved during the first two years.
- After four years: You'll receive a final bonus equal to 50% of the difference between the highest balance saved in the first two years and the highest balance saved in the last two years.
Your maximum monthly contribution is £50, allowing you to save up to £2,400 over the four-year period. Therefore, you can potentially earn up to £1,200 in bonuses, to be paid directly into your bank account, separately from your Help to Save account.