Latest news with #ChildTaxCredits
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit freebies you can claim in August worth more than £17,000
The amount of Universal Credit you can receive each month depends on your personal circumstances but now millions of households are missing out on thousands of pounds' worth of extra support Universal Credit freebies and discounts worth more than £17,000 are up for grabs during August. Currently, around six million people in the UK are claiming Universal Credit. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this benefit is provided to individuals on low incomes or out of work. The monthly amount you receive varies based on your personal circumstances, meaning some months could see a higher payout than others. However, millions of households on Universal Credit are failing to take advantage of thousands of pounds' worth of additional support – from complimentary food to savings bonuses and council tax reductions. You could potentially save over £17,000 across 12 months with these 18 discounts and freebies. Birmingham Live reports that the Household Support Fund offers financial aid, potentially up to £500, to vulnerable households in England to assist with essential costs like food, energy, and water bills. Managed by local authorities, this fund forms part of the government's wider support for those grappling with the escalating cost of living. The current phase of the fund runs from now to March 31, 2026. Here's a breakdown of all the bonuses you could get: Warm Home Discount – £150 The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 reduction on your electricity bill for the winter period, spanning October to March, if you're eligible. This discount is not available in Northern Ireland. If you are a homeowner or private tenant in Northern Ireland with a household income below £23,000, it's worth checking out the affordable warmth scheme. The cash isn't handed to you directly; instead, your electricity bill will see a discount applied. Plus, if you're on a dual fuel tariff with your supplier providing both gas and electricity, you could also see savings on your gas bill. Discounted broadband and mobile – save up to £196.68 A number of broadband providers have introduced more wallet-friendly plans for those on certain benefits, known as "social tariffs". With prices kicking off at £11 a month, and capping at around £20, these deals are a steal. TalkTalk even throws in six months gratis, though you'll need to go through the JobCentre and be actively job hunting to snag this offer. Each provider has their own process for applying for a social tariff, but typically it's a straightforward online or phone application where you'll need to show proof of your benefit claim to get the green light. Free school meals – save up to £503.50 per child annually In England, all kids in state schools from reception up to Year Two get free food, no matter what the family earns. But if you're getting certain benefits like Universal Credit, JSA, or Child Tax Credits, your older children could munch on free school meals too. The application process varies depending on your location. Some individuals may be able to apply through their local council, while others might need to liaise directly with their children's school. If you qualify for free school meals, you might also receive similar assistance during school holidays. Council tax reduction – up to £2,280 If you're on a low income or claiming benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax bill. The discount you're entitled to depends on your local council and their criteria, but in some cases, it could be reduced by 100 percent, equating to £2,280 for certain council tax bands. To apply for a council tax reduction, you'll need to visit the Government's website and apply via your local council. Single households can claim the single-person discount, which is 25 percent, regardless of whether they're claiming benefits. Help with water bills – hundreds off your annual bill All water companies provide a social tariff for qualifying customers that reduces water bills. To be placed on this tariff, you'll need to contact your water company. If you reside in England and receive Universal Credit, you might also qualify to have your water bills capped or slashed through the WaterSure scheme. To be eligible, you must already have a water meter fitted and demonstrate that you require substantial water usage. You'll also need to have three or more children under 19 in full-time education, or share your home with someone whose medical condition necessitates additional water consumption. Welsh residents can access support through WaterSure Wales. Energy grants – up to £1,500 Match Energy explains: "Energy suppliers are also offering cash grants to those hardest hit by bill rises. You'll need to contact your supplier directly to see what they offer, what the eligibility requirements are, and how much you can get". "If you don't know who your supplier is, give a member of our team a call today before its too late ! Households can get up to £1,500 in grants from the British Gas Energy Trust to help pay their bills." Free prescriptions and dental care You're entitled to assistance with health costs if, you make your claim that you're in a relationship and report how the take-home pay threshold relates to your joint take-home earnings. You must provide a copy of your Universal Credit award notice as proof of your entitlement. Help to Save – up to £300 a year Help to Save operates as a savings account type. It enables certain individuals entitled to Working Tax Credit or claiming Universal Credit to receive a bonus of 50p for every £1 they put aside over four years. Help to Save enjoys government backing, meaning all savings within the scheme remain completely secure. You're able to save anywhere from £1 to £50 each calendar month, with no obligation to contribute every single month. While you can make multiple payments throughout the month, the maximum monthly contribution remains £50 - meaning if you've deposited £50 by January 8, you'll need to wait until February 1 before making another payment. Withdrawals from your Help to Save account can only be made directly to your bank account. School uniform grants – up to £200 Families receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, may be eligible for up to £200 towards their child's school uniform costs through a non-repayable grant. Money Saving Expert clarifies: "Typically, to get means-tested free school meals, you need to be getting a specified benefit. These include Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and others – see which benefits count. The exact criteria for free school meals varies slightly around the UK – see full info and how to apply in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales". Free or discounted travel – up to 50 percent off The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card offers a whopping 50 percent discount on rail travel for those receiving Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit. This card is available to those who have been claiming for a specific period (three - nine months for 18-24 year olds, three - 12 months for those 25+). It also provides discounts on bus and tram fares in London. Flexible Support Fund – no official cap The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is a fund offered by local Jobcentres at the discretion of Jobcentre Plus advisers. The fund was introduced in 2011 and its purpose is to give Jobcentre Plus Districts, and their adviser's, more freedom to give support to local need. Maternity grants - £500 per child 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'll qualify if you're already claiming benefits and expecting your first child, or if you have children already and are expecting twins or triplets. 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. Healthy Start vouchers – up to £442/year If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We'll add your benefit onto this card every four weeks. Funeral expenses payment – up to £1,000 You may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you meet the following criteria: you're receiving certain benefits, your relationship with the deceased meets the specified rules, and you're organising a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. If you don't qualify for Funeral Expenses Payment, there might be other financial assistance available to help cover the funeral costs. You could also be eligible if you're receiving a Support for Mortgage Interest loan. Even if you've applied for these benefits and are awaiting a decision, you can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment. Childcare support – up to £1,769/month If you're claiming Universal Credit, you might be able to get some of your childcare costs paid upfront. You can receive 85% of your costs covered up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more children. Free childcare hours – up to £7,500 If you're claiming Universal Credit, you might be able to get some of your childcare costs paid upfront. You can receive 85 percent of your costs covered up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more children. Discounted glasses and eye tests – up to £233.56 Individuals on certain benefits who meet specific criteria can access free NHS eye tests and discounted glasses, saving them up to £233. If you're on Universal Credit, whether you're entitled to free NHS prescriptions depends on your earnings during the most recent assessment period. You can utilise the Government's eligibility checker tool on its website to determine what you might be entitled to. NHS prescriptions currently stand at £9.90 in the UK. You may also receive assistance with prescriptions, dental and eye care costs through the NHS Low Income scheme. You can even obtain free wigs and help with travel expenses if it's for health appointments.
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Keir Starmer faces poverty grilling from top MPs amid call to axe DWP two-child benefit limit
Keir Starmer, who will appear at the Liaison Committee on Monday, has been warned that without scrapping the Tory-era two-child benefit limit he risks overseeing a rise in poverty Keir Starmer is set to face a grilling from MPs on levels of poverty amid fresh calls to axe the controversial two-child benefit limit. The Prime Minister, who will appear at the Liaison Committee on Monday, has insisted he will leave "no stone unturned" to tackle levels of child poverty But he faces warnings today that without scrapping the Tory-era two-child benefit limit he risks overseeing the first Labour government to see a "significant rise in child poverty". The policy, which has been blamed for trapping kids in poverty, restricts parents from claiming Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit for a third or subsequent child. Recently Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said scrapping the measure remains on the table as part of a delayed child poverty strategy. She said it will be "looking at every lever and we'll continue to look at every lever to lift children out of poverty". Monday's session will give MPs the chance to quiz Mr Starmer on the strategy. Dan Paskins, executive director at Save the Children, told The Mirror: "The Prime Minister has been clear that tackling child poverty is his government's moral mission. mExpanding free school meals and Best Start Family Hubs shows ambition but will not be enough to truly reduce the number of children growing up in hardship." He added: "Every day 109 more children are impacted by the two-child limit, facing growing up without enough to get by, simply because they have more siblings. The Prime Minister has a choice to make ahead of the Autumn Budget: scrap the two-child limit on Universal Credit in full or risk being the first Labour government to oversee a significant rise in child poverty." Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, added: "The key question for the PM is given his government has a moral mission to reduce child poverty, will he now commit to scrapping the two-child limit in the autumn child poverty strategy as the most cost-effective way to get record child poverty down?" Speaking last month, Mr Starmer said: "I want to get to the root causes of child poverty. One of the greatest things the last Labour government did was to drive down child poverty. I am determined we will do that." MPs on the Liaison Committee include three senior Labour MPs - Debbie Abrahams, Helen Hayes, and Florence Eshalomi. All three signed an amendment to the welfare bill last month to block cuts to a key disability benefit - Personal Independence Payments (PIP). A government analysis of the reforms, which were eventually gutted in a major climbdown, had warned the cuts could result in 250,000 people being pushed into poverty.
North Wales Live
03-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
DWP to end six benefits by 2026: What Claimants Need to Know
People on certain benefits are being encouraged to take action if they want to keep receiving payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing with the phasing out of older benefits for millions this year. A few years ago, the DWP started transitioning individuals on specific benefits, known as legacy benefits, over to universal credit, which was launched in 2013. This process, known as managed migration, has been gradually implemented over several years, with individuals being informed that they would be transitioned and, in some cases, would need to make a universal credit claim, reports WalesOnline. Full-scale managed migration began in April 2023, extending to different regions of Great Britain. The six legacy benefits being phased out include: Child and working tax credit Income-based jobseeker's allowance Income support Income-related employment Support allowance Housing benefit Tax credit is the first of 2025's legacy benefit closures. As per the DWP website, the benefit will cease in April 2025, meaning recipients must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits. Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for universal credit. Moreover, the planned transition of approximately 800,000 recipients of income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) alone, or income-related ESA in conjunction with housing benefit, has been expedited. This had initially been postponed to 2028/29. The DWP commenced issuing migration notices to these claimants in September 2024, with the goal of notifying all individuals in this group by December 2025. The DWP intends to transfer all legacy benefit recipients to universal credit by March 2026, finalising the rollout and ceasing all legacy benefits by this date. Here is the full timeline of managed migration: April 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. June 2024: Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. July 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. August 2024: Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. September 2024: Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. December 2025: The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29.
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
At least one in four children in poverty in two-thirds of UK areas
Overall, 42% of constituencies in the UK have a child poverty rate higher than the national average of 31%, according to new analysis by Loughborough University At least a quarter of children are in poverty in two-thirds of areas across the UK, grim analysis shows today. Overall, 42% of constituencies in the UK have a child poverty rate higher than the national average of 31%, according to new analysis by Loughborough University. That includes Keir Starmer 's London constituency Holborn and St Pancras, which has a child poverty rate of 47%. Some 80% of the PM's Cabinet represent constituencies with higher than average rates. Constituencies with the highest child poverty rates in the UK include Birmingham Ladywood, Dewsbury and Batley and Bradford West. In the North East, West Midlands and in Wales, around nine out of ten constituencies have a child poverty rate higher than one in four. Experts found an 'extremely high' correlation between child poverty and the two-child benefit limit. The End Child Poverty Coalition, which is made up of over 135 organisations including child welfare groups, social justice groups, faith groups, trade unions and others, has today called for the policy to be scrapped in full. It piles more pressure on Mr Starmer, who is facing demands to scrap the Tory-era policy to lift thousands of kids out of poverty. Experts have said ditching the policy, which restricts parents from claiming Universal Credit or Child Tax Credits for any children beyond their first two, would be the most effective way to live around 350,000 kids out of poverty. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who is co-chairing the government's Child Poverty Taskforce, last month said scrapping the controversial two-child benefit limit is an option "on the table'. The annual analysis by Loughborough University uses DWP figures and looks at poverty rates after housing costs, which is seen as a more accurate assessment of family income. Dan Paskins, of Save the Children and the End Child Poverty Coalition, said: 'Each year this data presents a bleak picture of life for the UK's children. A record number are now in poverty and this is under the noses of our MPs, particularly Cabinet members. 'The time for action is now, and the Comprehensive Spending Review, and forthcoming child poverty strategy should involve bold action." Liv, 21, from Liverpool, who is an End Child Poverty Coalition Ambassador, said: 'Growing up in poverty is relentless, and it's never just about money - it is about isolation, shame, and missed opportunities. 'A proper government strategy on child poverty could give us hope. It shows that our experience is heard, and that there's a commitment to building a fairer society where no child has to grow up feeling less than others just because of their circumstances.' Full list of local authorities' child poverty rates (after housing costs): Region Local authority
Wales Online
01-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP to scrap six benefits by 2026 as claimants urged to take action
DWP to scrap six benefits by 2026 as claimants urged to take action The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing to phase out older benefits this year meaning claimants need to take action The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing to phase out older benefits this year meaning claimants need to take action (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) People receiving certain benefits are being urged to act if they wish to continue receiving payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is persisting with the phasing out of older benefits for millions this year. A few years back, the DWP began transitioning individuals on specific benefits, known as legacy benefits, over to universal credit, which was launched in 2013. This process, referred to as managed migration, has been implemented gradually over several years, with individuals being notified that they would be transitioned and, in some cases, would need to make a universal credit claim. Full-scale managed migration kicked off in April 2023, extending to different regions of Great Britain. The six legacy benefits being phased out include: Child and working tax credit Income-based jobseeker's allowance Income support Income-related employment Support allowance Housing benefit Tax credit is the first of 2025's legacy benefit closures. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here . As per the DWP website, the benefit will cease in April 2025, meaning recipients must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits. Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for universal credit. Moreover, the planned transition of approximately 800,000 recipients of income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) alone, or income-related ESA in conjunction with housing benefit, has been expedited. This had initially been postponed to 2028/29. The DWP commenced issuing migration notices to these claimants in September 2024, with the goal of notifying all individuals in this group by December 2025. The DWP intends to transfer all legacy benefit recipients to universal credit by March 2026, finalising the rollout and ceasing all legacy benefits by this date. Article continues below Here is the full timeline of managed migration: April 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. June 2024: Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. July 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. August 2024: Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. September 2024: Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. December 2025: The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. March 2026: All legacy benefit claims are scheduled to be closed
