Universal Credit claimants could secure freebies – 30 ways to save money in March | Personal Finance | Finance
People on low incomes are finding it increasingly difficult to reckon with inflation and energy bills continue to soar putting a huge strain on the household budget. However, Britons who are eligible for state benefits like Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance and Pension Credit could claim 30 additional freebies that could save them thousands of pounds.
During the coronavirus pandemic the number of Universal Credit claimants almost doubled to 5.8million Britons.
More than a third of these claimants are in work but claiming this benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) because they are on a low income.
New claimants might not be aware that Universal Credit acts as a gateway benefit meaning they could potentially benefit from 30 additional ways to save money.
This includes free prescriptions, a Cold Weather Payment and reduced Council Tax for people who are not working or on a low income.
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More than a quarter of million (260,000) older people don’t claim Housing Benefit although it could add up to £4,000 per year.
Experts are doing their best to raise awareness but say pensioners are more likely to still believe there is a stigma attached to asking for help.
In addition, they may not be aware that this help is available.
Below is a full list of things that people on certain benefits like Universal Credit and Pension Credit can get for free or for a reduced cost.
What are the 30 Universal Credit discounts available?
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
Free or cheap broadband from TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT
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
To ensure people are getting all the help they are entitled to, they can leave a note in their Universal Credit journal.
Or they can speak to someone at their local jobcentre.
People can ask for help applying from friends and family if they struggle with forms.
Alternatively, they may be able to ask for support with an application from Citizen’s Advice or Age UK.
