Universal Credit claimants could apply for 33 extra benefits from DWP – full list | Personal Finance | Finance
Some 5.9 million people depend on Universal Credit payments either because they are out of work or to top up a low income. As many will be worried about how they are going to pay sky high energy bills this winter, campaigners are encouraging them to double check they are receiving all the help they are entitled to from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Although the new Prime Minister Liz Truss announced energy bills will be capped at £2,500 and won’t rise above that, millions of people are still struggling to make ends meet.
Energy bills and rising food costs mean millions of people are experiencing a cost of living crisis with prices the highest they have been in 40 years.
The elderly and people who rely on benefits will be suffering the most as people on the lowest incomes have the least wriggle room when it comes to making savings.
Meanwhile, £15billion worth of benefits go unclaimed every year in the UK as people don’t always know what they are eligible to claim.
READ MORE: Energy price cap freeze – everything you need to know
Meanwhile, former Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that some eight million people will receive cost of living payments worth £650 this year.
The first instalment of £326 was paid to eligible people, such as Universal Credit claimants, back in July – however people in receipt of tax credits had to wait longer.
Their first Cost of Living Payment should have been paid between September 2 and 7.
People in receipt of tax credits had to wait longer, however their first Cost of Living Payment should have been paid between September 2 and 7.
On top of this everyone will receive a £400 cost of living payment towards energy bills no matter what their income.
READ MORE: When can PIP claimants expect the disability cost of living payment?
Universal Credit claimants could ask the DWP for extra financial help in the form of:
- Advance payments
- Hardship payments
- Budgeting advance
- Other state benefits
- Cheap broadband
- Reduced council tax bills
- Capped water bills
- Half price bus
- Discounted rail fares
- Free or discounted gym membership
- Help with new job costs
- Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
- £25 in Cold Weather Payments
- Cheap BT phone calls
- Free prescriptions for people with zero income or those on a low income
- Free dental treatment
- Eye tests and discounted glasses
- Free school transport
- Free school meals
- Discounted childcare costs
- £150 towards school uniforms – dependent on the local authority
- £1,200 free cash as part of the Government’s Help to Save scheme
- Food vouchers for kids as part of the Healthy Start scheme
- Maternity grant up to £1,000
- Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000) to make changes to a home
- Homeowners can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for a boiler
- Homeowners can get help to pay for double glazing as part of the Green Homes Scheme
- Up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments
- Free wigs or fabric support provided by the NHS
- Free health travel costs
- Help with housing costs
- Help with funeral costs
- Bereavement support payments
- Reduced court fees.
