Many people might not realise just how much they are entitled to
People claiming Universal Credit might not always realise just how much the benefit offers, aside from the monthly DWP payments. Proving that you are entitled to the benefit opens many more doors for savings, discounts, freebies and access to some financial support only available to people on Universal Credit.
In total, Birmingham Live notes this can add up to £10,250 in savings every year. However, some of these benefits and freebies have other eligibility requirements on top of the Universal Credit criteria, meaning not everyone will be eligible.
Social tariffs
Social tariffs are available on broadband and mobile contracts. Being eligible for Universal Credit is often an eligibility requirement for these tariffs which are heavily discounted to help make broadband and mobile services more affordable, saving around £170 and £200 a year respectively.
It’s worth noting that social tariffs are not the same as short-term promotions which may also have discounted rates. The main difference is that the promotions usually have an expiry date at which point the prices increase to normal levels.
Council Tax Support
The eligibility for this support can differ between individual councils but for the most part people on a low income, claiming state benefits or have savings under £16,000 could be eligible for a discounted rate of Council Tax. Additionally, if you live on your own or with someone who is disabled this discount can be increased even further.
How much you save will depend on how much council tax you pay, which is set by your local authority and based on what type of property you live in. For some, this could make thousands of pounds of savings each year.
Energy bills
Alongside potentially being eligible for social tariffs, people on Universal Credit and struggling to cover their energy bill could qualify for the British gas Energy Support Fund. This fund offers grants of up to £2,000 to help them make ends meet.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund has been extended to March 2026. Local councils decide how to distribute it but the government wants the £742million to be used to support the most vulnerable in society.
Many councils have taken this prerogative and used benefit entitlement as an eligibility criteria to ensure the money is helping those who need it most. Meaning you can qualify by claiming certain benefits or earning certain amounts.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
New and expectant parents on Universal Credit can get a one-off £500 payment to help with the extra costs of having a child. This is through the Sure Start Maternity Grant.
Childcare Support
The maximum amount people on Universal Credit can claim back for childcare costs increased this month. It now sits at £1,031.88 for one child, and £1,768.94 for 2 or more children.
Free School Meals
Families on Universal Credit could qualify for free school meals for their school-aged children. This freebie is worth around £460 per child per year and during school holidays families could also get up to £15 per week.
WaterSure Scheme
The WaterSure scheme offers significant savings for large families or those with medical needs who receive Universal Credit. It differs between suppliers, Anglian Water currently offers a rate of £310 annually compared to the average projected bill of £626.
Free NHS Prescriptions
People on Universal Credit getting certain prescriptions can get their medication for free. The specific benefits and conditions that qualify for free prescriptions are outlined on the NHS Business Services Authority website.
Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount
This discount card offers people looking for jobs up to 50% off on rail travel. It can usually be used for journeys to interviews, the Jobcentre or training.
Help to Save Scheme
This scheme is essentially a savings account with a 50% interest rate that’s only available to Universal Credit claimants. People can put up to £50 into the account each month and after two years they can receive a 50% bonus, which they receive again after four years.
You can make withdrawals from this account without affecting your eligibility for this bonus rate. Each bonus can be worth a maximum of £1,200.
Healthy Start Scheme
Families in England and Wales on Universal Credit may also be eligible for the Healthy Start Scheme. It offers vouchers for healthy foods and supplements to pregnant women and families with young children who are on a low income and getting a qualifying benefit.
Discounted Gym Memberships
Some gyms will offer discounted memberships for people who can prove they are on a low income, which is simple to do when you receive Universal Credit. Some gyms offer hundreds off their annual memberships on these discounted rates.
