The amount of Universal Credit you can receive each month depends on your personal circumstances but now millions of households are missing out on thousands of pounds’ worth of extra support
Universal Credit freebies and discounts worth more than £17,000 are up for grabs during August. Currently, around six million people in the UK are claiming Universal Credit. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this benefit is provided to individuals on low incomes or out of work. The monthly amount you receive varies based on your personal circumstances, meaning some months could see a higher payout than others.
However, millions of households on Universal Credit are failing to take advantage of thousands of pounds’ worth of additional support – from complimentary food to savings bonuses and council tax reductions. You could potentially save over £17,000 across 12 months with these 18 discounts and freebies.
Universal Credit households to receive new £320 Cost of Living payment this summer
Birmingham Live reports that the Household Support Fund offers financial aid, potentially up to £500, to vulnerable households in England to assist with essential costs like food, energy, and water bills.
Managed by local authorities, this fund forms part of the government’s wider support for those grappling with the escalating cost of living. The current phase of the fund runs from now to March 31, 2026. Here’s a breakdown of all the bonuses you could get:
Warm Home Discount – £150
The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 reduction on your electricity bill for the winter period, spanning October to March, if you’re eligible. This discount is not available in Northern Ireland.
If you are a homeowner or private tenant in Northern Ireland with a household income below £23,000, it’s worth checking out the affordable warmth scheme.
The cash isn’t handed to you directly; instead, your electricity bill will see a discount applied. Plus, if you’re on a dual fuel tariff with your supplier providing both gas and electricity, you could also see savings on your gas bill.
Discounted broadband and mobile – save up to £196.68
A number of broadband providers have introduced more wallet-friendly plans for those on certain benefits, known as “social tariffs”. With prices kicking off at £11 a month, and capping at around £20, these deals are a steal. TalkTalk even throws in six months gratis, though you’ll need to go through the JobCentre and be actively job hunting to snag this offer.
Each provider has their own process for applying for a social tariff, but typically it’s a straightforward online or phone application where you’ll need to show proof of your benefit claim to get the green light.
Free school meals – save up to £503.50 per child annually
In England, all kids in state schools from reception up to Year Two get free food, no matter what the family earns. But if you’re getting certain benefits like Universal Credit, JSA, or Child Tax Credits, your older children could munch on free school meals too.
The application process varies depending on your location. Some individuals may be able to apply through their local council, while others might need to liaise directly with their children’s school. If you qualify for free school meals, you might also receive similar assistance during school holidays.
Council tax reduction – up to £2,280
If you’re on a low income or claiming benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax bill. The discount you’re entitled to depends on your local council and their criteria, but in some cases, it could be reduced by 100 percent, equating to £2,280 for certain council tax bands.
To apply for a council tax reduction, you’ll need to visit the Government’s website and apply via your local council. Single households can claim the single-person discount, which is 25 percent, regardless of whether they’re claiming benefits.
Help with water bills – hundreds off your annual bill
All water companies provide a social tariff for qualifying customers that reduces water bills. To be placed on this tariff, you’ll need to contact your water company.
If you reside in England and receive Universal Credit, you might also qualify to have your water bills capped or slashed through the WaterSure scheme. To be eligible, you must already have a water meter fitted and demonstrate that you require substantial water usage.
You’ll also need to have three or more children under 19 in full-time education, or share your home with someone whose medical condition necessitates additional water consumption. Welsh residents can access support through WaterSure Wales.
Energy grants – up to £1,500
Match Energy explains: “Energy suppliers are also offering cash grants to those hardest hit by bill rises. You’ll need to contact your supplier directly to see what they offer, what the eligibility requirements are, and how much you can get”.
“If you don’t know who your supplier is, give a member of our team a call today before its too late ! Households can get up to £1,500 in grants from the British Gas Energy Trust to help pay their bills.”
Free prescriptions and dental care
You’re entitled to assistance with health costs if, you make your claim that you’re in a relationship and report how the take-home pay threshold relates to your joint take-home earnings. You must provide a copy of your Universal Credit award notice as proof of your entitlement.
Help to Save – up to £300 a year
Help to Save operates as a savings account type. It enables certain individuals entitled to Working Tax Credit or claiming Universal Credit to receive a bonus of 50p for every £1 they put aside over four years.
Help to Save enjoys government backing, meaning all savings within the scheme remain completely secure. You’re able to save anywhere from £1 to £50 each calendar month, with no obligation to contribute every single month.
While you can make multiple payments throughout the month, the maximum monthly contribution remains £50 – meaning if you’ve deposited £50 by January 8, you’ll need to wait until February 1 before making another payment.
Withdrawals from your Help to Save account can only be made directly to your bank account.
School uniform grants – up to £200
Families receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, may be eligible for up to £200 towards their child’s school uniform costs through a non-repayable grant.
Money Saving Expert clarifies: “Typically, to get means-tested free school meals, you need to be getting a specified benefit. These include Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and others – see which benefits count. The exact criteria for free school meals varies slightly around the UK – see full info and how to apply in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales”.
Free or discounted travel – up to 50 percent off The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card offers a whopping 50 percent discount on rail travel for those receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit. This card is available to those who have been claiming for a specific period (three – nine months for 18-24 year olds, three – 12 months for those 25+). It also provides discounts on bus and tram fares in London.
Flexible Support Fund – no official cap
The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is a fund offered by local Jobcentres at the discretion of Jobcentre Plus advisers. The fund was introduced in 2011 and its purpose is to give Jobcentre Plus Districts, and their adviser’s, more freedom to give support to local need.
Maternity grants – £500 per child
New parents are also able to receive a £500 one-off payment, which doesn’t need to be paid back, to help with childcare costs through the Sure Start grant. You’ll qualify if you’re already claiming benefits and expecting your first child, or if you have children already and are expecting twins or triplets.
You must claim this money within 11 weeks in advance of the baby’s due date or within six months after the child is born.
Healthy Start vouchers – up to £442/year
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every four weeks.
Funeral expenses payment – up to £1,000
You may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you meet the following criteria: you’re receiving certain benefits, your relationship with the deceased meets the specified rules, and you’re organising a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. If you don’t qualify for Funeral Expenses Payment, there might be other financial assistance available to help cover the funeral costs.
You could also be eligible if you’re receiving a Support for Mortgage Interest loan. Even if you’ve applied for these benefits and are awaiting a decision, you can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment.
Childcare support – up to £1,769/month
If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you might be able to get some of your childcare costs paid upfront. You can receive 85% of your costs covered up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more children.
Free childcare hours – up to £7,500
If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you might be able to get some of your childcare costs paid upfront. You can receive 85 percent of your costs covered up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more children.
Discounted glasses and eye tests – up to £233.56
Individuals on certain benefits who meet specific criteria can access free NHS eye tests and discounted glasses, saving them up to £233. If you’re on Universal Credit, whether you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions depends on your earnings during the most recent assessment period.
You can utilise the Government’s eligibility checker tool on its website to determine what you might be entitled to. NHS prescriptions currently stand at £9.90 in the UK.
You may also receive assistance with prescriptions, dental and eye care costs through the NHS Low Income scheme. You can even obtain free wigs and help with travel expenses if it’s for health appointments.
