Almost six million people claim Universal Credit, which is a benefit that helps those on low incomes or who are out of work.
It is widely known if you claim Universal Credit then the Government provides you with money to help with daily living costs.
The standard allowance for Universal Credit - the basic rate before any earnings or extra entitlements are taken into account - range between £265 to £525.
This all depends on your employment and living situation.
However, many are not aware that those on Universal Credit are able to claim much more than just their benefit payments.
The help on offer can range from bill reductions and caps to discounted travel and memberships, and free NHS prescriptions.
With the current cost of living crisis squeezing the pockets of many, it may be helpful to know some of the discounts and freebies you could be entitled to.
Reduced Council Tax bills
If you're on a low income or claiming benefits, you could be in line for a reduction on your council tax bill.
The discount you’re entitled to is dependent on your local council and their criteria but in some situations, it could be cut by 100%.
To apply for a council tax reduction, you will need to go to the government's website and apply through your local council.
Single households are entitled to claim the single-person discount which is 25% regardless of whether they claim benefits.
Capped water bills
If you live in England, you could get your water bills capped or reduced through the WaterSure scheme.
If you live in Wales you can receive help from WaterSure Wales.
To qualify for the scheme you need to have a water meter installed in your home and you'll have to prove you already use a lot of water.
You'll also need to have three or more children under the age of 19 in full-time education, or live with someone with a medical condition that means they use extra water.
You (or someone living with you) will need to be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Child tax credit (except families receiving the family element only)
- Housing benefit
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Pension credit
- Universal credit
- Working tax credit
You can apply through your water provider.
Discounted travel costs
If you’re claiming Universal Credit and looking for work, then you might be able to get 50% off your bus and train fares with the Jobcentre Plus travel card.
However, there is no guarantee you'll get a pass even if you're on Universal Credit as there are certain criteria which have to be met to be eligible.
You can ask your local Jobcentre whether you can get one as staff hand them out on a case-by-case basis.
Children whose parents claim Universal Credit could be able to get their transport to school free too.
Local councils are responsible for deciding whether someone is eligible so it's best to contact them to find out if you are.
Help with job costs
This help comes through the Flexible Support Fund (FSF) and is available to anyone who receives help from a JobCentre.
The extra cash awarded is on top of the other benefits you claim and can be used for things such as childcare, uniforms, or even work tools, so long as they help you get a job.
There's no set amount you can get as it will vary from case to case.
Free or cheap broadband
A number of broadband providers offer cheap deals for those who claim certain benefits. TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT offer a “social tariff” which is cheaper than the traditional ones they offer and TalkTalk offers jobseekers free broadband for six months.
Applying for the social tariff is different for each provider but it can usually be done online or over the phone and you will need to provide proof of your benefit claim to be accepted.
Prices start from £12 a month. TalkTalk offers six months free but you need to apply through the JobCentre and be a job seeker.
BT also offers cheaper phone calls for those on Universal Credit and low incomes through the same package offering cheaper broadband.
The package is open to anyone on Universal Credit and other benefits including those who get the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit and anyone claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance.
Free prescriptions and other health care costs
Certain DWP benefits can make you able to claim your prescription costs for free and you can also get help if you're on a low income through the NHS low-income scheme.
You can check if you’re eligible for this using the Government’s eligibility checker.
The scheme also provides free wigs and fabric support and travel to and from healthcare appointments.
How much you'll be entitled to however does depend on your income and circumstances, including outgoings and the amount of savings you have in the bank.
Some Universal Credit claimants can also have the cost of their dental care covered for them as well as eye tests, you can also claim discount glasses through this too.
Child support
Children whose parents claim benefits could be able to get free school meals, as well as £150 towards school uniforms, again what you can receive is dependent on your local authority.
If needed, parents can also claim discounted childcare costs and food vouchers for kids as part of the Healthy Start scheme. The scheme provides families with small children a prepaid card to buy milk, vegetables, fruit, pulses and vitamins.
To apply you will need to download an application form from the Healthy Start website or call their helpline on 0345 607 6823.
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 must claim this money within 11 weeks in advance of the baby’s due date or within six months after the child is born.
Financial support when it’s cold
You could get a £25 discount on your energy bill over the winter through the cold weather payment scheme which is given when temperatures are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below, on average, for seven consecutive days between November 1 and March 31.
People do not need to apply for the scheme and should get it automatically if they are claiming certain benefits and you can check if you're eligible for a payment using the Government's locator tool.
Home improvement grants
You could be able to make home improvements by applying for a home efficiency grant through your local council.
The grant is worth up to £10,000 and should be used to install insulation, double glazing, solar panels and energy-efficient doors.
Some energy suppliers have also previously offered grants to people claiming benefits if they need a new boiler and the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme also covers the cost when a boiler is installed by an MSC-certified installer.
These discounts are not even all of them, as claiming Universal Credit can also make you eligible to get help with housing and funeral costs, receive bereavement support payments, have reduced court fees and receive a discounted or even free gym membership.
