Universal Credit alert as Britons could be missing out on £6,216 – are you? | Personal Finance | Finance
Some 1.2 million households are missing out on Universal Credit, which could provide on average £6,216 a year towards their daily costs. The benefit provides financial help to people on low incomes, with the amount a person receives varying depending on their work and home situation.
The cash boost is paid monthly or twice a month for some people in Scotland.
A report from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research has called for the Government to increase Universal Credit payments by £25 per week for at least six months from October, which would cost around £1.4 billion.
The group has also urged ministers to increase the energy bill support payment, going out to all UK households, from £400 to £600 for low income households.
This would cost the Government another £2.2 billion.
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This includes free prescriptions and dental treatment, and free school meals.
Discounted childcare costs are also available and reduced council tax bills.
Claimants can also get half price bus or rail fares, discounts on gym membership.
Other help towards energy bills is also available, including £140 off fuel bills and £25 in Cold Weather Payments.
They can also get free or discounted broadband from TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT and £1,200 in bonus cash through the Help to Save scheme.
Food vouchers for children are also on offer as part of the Healthy Start scheme and home owners can get up to £10,000 for a boiler or double glazing, through the Green Homes Scheme.
