Universal Credit claimants are urged to check if they’re getting all the benefits they’re entitled to, as it could make a big difference, possibly worth thousands of pounds.
Claimants can get extra discounts or bonuses which can provide an extra £6,158 in February
First, they should use the Entitled To calculator to check if their benefit amount is correct. If the calculator shows a much higher amount, it might mean there are benefits they should be receiving but aren’t.
Council Tax Discount – Save up to £1,628.25:
People on Universal Credit may be eligible for a council tax discount of up to 75 per cent.
The amount of the discount depends on factors such as total income (including some benefits), whether they live alone, if anyone in the household has a disability, or if there are children in the home.
In some cases, those facing severe financial difficulty might even have their entire council tax bill covered.
For example, a 75 per cent discount on a typical Band D property could result in savings of around £1,628.25.
DWP UC freebies and discounts
GETTY
Energy Bill Discounts – Up to £2,000:
Energy companies like British Gas, Octopus Energy, and others offer schemes for those on Universal Credit or other low-income benefits, such as Pension Credit.
If someone is struggling to pay their energy bills or has built up a significant amount of energy debt, programs like the British Gas Energy Trust’s Individual and Families Fund and the British Gas Energy Support Fund can help.
These schemes can write off between £50 and £2,000 of debt on gas and electricity bills.
To qualify, applicants must have received advice from a money advice agency before applying and must use the money to clear debt on their own property with an open account.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Warm Homes Discount – £150
Those on Universal Credit can also apply for the Warm Homes Discount.
The benefit is a £150 credit put directly onto energy bills.
NHS Healthcare up to £141
Britons can save on one annual dentist check-up and free prescriptions for a year.
People on Universal Credit with a monthly income under £435 (or £935 for those with children or limited work capability) can get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatments, and eye exams.
Savings on dental treatments can be as much as £319.10 for complex procedures, while prescription savings can total up to £114.50.
Household Support Fund – Up to £500:
The Household Support Fund provides financial assistance to households through local councils, with funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Since the scheme is managed locally, the amount available can vary. Some councils offer cash, while others provide shopping vouchers.
For example, Camden Council offers up to £500 in cash to low-income households, while other councils may offer between £50 and £400.
Most councils require applicants to be receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or another low-income benefit, though not all councils have this requirement.
Experts are calling for reform to Universal Credit PA
Free childcare – save up to £1,739.37
People on Universal Credit may be eligible to claim back up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs.
To qualify, they or their partner (if they live together) must either be working or have a job offer, with no minimum number of hours required.
The amount they can claim back each month depends on the number of children needing care: up to £1,014.63 for one child and up to £1,739.37 for two or more children.