Latest news with #UniversalCreditCredit
Scottish Sun
29-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
20 Universal Credit freebies and discounts you can claim in August worth more than £17,000
Plus, we reveal one scheme which could see support worth £500 land in your bank account BENEFIT BOOST 20 Universal Credit freebies and discounts you can claim in August worth more than £17,000 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of households on Universal Credit are missing out on thousands of pounds' worth of extra support – from free food to savings bonuses and council tax discounts. With food inflation still stubbornly high, energy prices creeping up again, and back-to-school costs around the corner, August is a crucial month to check what help is available. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 We share all the freebies and discounts for those on Universal Credit Credit: Alamy If you're on Universal Credit or a similarly low income, you could be missing out on vital financial support, and many of these schemes don't need to be paid back. Here's a detailed breakdown of the help on offer this August, who's eligible, how much you might get, and how to claim. If you're eligible for all 20, you may be able to save more than £17,000 over 12 months. 1. Household Support Fund – Savings: up to £500 The Household Support Fund runs until March 2026 and gives emergency cash or voucher support to households struggling with essentials like food, energy, and white goods. Payouts and eligibility vary by local authority. For example: Brent Council offers up to £500 for struggling families. Apply at Doncaster pays between £100 and £300 to families on UC. See Ribble Valley gives food vouchers worth £200–£500 to households earning under £35,000. Visit How to apply: Go to your council's website and search for 'Household Support Fund' – the easiest way is to Google your council name plus the phrase. 2. Free holiday food and activities – worth hundreds If your child gets free school meals, you can usually access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, run in partnership with councils and funded by the government. Activities include football camps, arts, drama and free meals. In many areas, bookings are open now for August sessions: Leeds offers HAF places including hot meals and sports activities: Hampshire includes cookery clubs, forest schools and free meals: In Scotland, parents receive direct holiday payments instead of food provision. For example: Glasgow pays £135 for summer holidays per eligible child: Wales and Northern Ireland also run holiday support schemes via schools and councils – check with your local authority. Five key changes to PIP & Universal Credit as Labour's benefits crackdown unveiled 3. Warm Home Discount – Savings: £150 credit Eligible low-income households can get £150 off electricity bills automatically between October and March. You usually don't need to apply – energy suppliers apply the discount directly if you qualify. If you're on UC and meet your supplier's rules (especially if your home is classed as "energy inefficient"), the discount will appear as a credit on your bill. Check eligibility at 4. Discounted broadband and mobile – Savings: save up to £196.68 Social tariffs offer cheap broadband to people on benefits. Some of the cheapest include: Virgin Media Essentials: £12.50/month – save £137.88/year vs regular Virgin package. BT Home Essentials: £15/month for fibre + calls. Voxi for Now: £10/month for unlimited mobile data for six months – saving £150 vs regular deal. According to Uswitch, the average broadband bill in the UK is £26.39/month – switching to the cheapest social tariff could save you £196.68 per year. Compare all social tariffs at 5. Free school meals – Savings: save up to £503.50 per child per year If your child is at school and you claim Universal Credit, they may qualify for free school meals during term time. To be eligible in England, your household income (excluding benefits) must be under £7,400 a year. This limit also applies in Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, all children in primary years 1 to 5 get free school meals regardless of income, and older pupils may also qualify based on UC claims. The Food Foundation says the average cost of a school lunch is £2.65. Over 190 school days, that amounts to a potential saving of around £503.50 per child per year. Check eligibility and apply at 6. Council tax reduction – Savings: save up to £2,280 If you receive Universal Credit, you can apply for a council tax reduction of up to 100%. Every local authority sets its own rules, but many reduce council tax significantly for low-income households. If you live alone, you can also get a single person discount of 25%. For example: In Manchester, households on UC can get up to 100% off their council tax. Apply at Bristol offers up to 90% for most working-age households on benefits. More info at The average Band D council tax in England for 2025-26 is now £2,280, so a full reduction is worth that amount annually. 7. Help with water bills – Savings: save hundreds off your annual bill Water companies offer social tariffs or capped rates for those on UC and similar benefits. These schemes vary by supplier. For example: Affinity Water caps bills at £119.50/year for eligible households. See United Utilities offers up to 50% off for households with high usage or medical needs. More at According to Discover Water, the average water bill in England and Wales has risen to £603 in 2025. Switching to a capped or social tariff could save you hundreds of pounds depending on your supplier and usage. 8. Energy grants – Savings: up to £1,500 Several energy suppliers offer grants to help customers on low incomes clear energy debts or cover bills. For example: British Gas Energy Trust offers grants up to £1,500 even if you're not a British Gas customer. Apply at Next Energy Fund provides help with white goods and bill support. Visit You'll usually need to show proof of income, provide meter readings, and explain your situation. These grants don't need to be repaid. 9. Free prescriptions and dental care – Savings: variable savings Universal Credit claimants may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and help with health costs. You'll qualify if: You're single and earn under £435/month Or your household earns under £935/month and gets the child element of UC or has limited capability for work These savings can quickly add up: NHS prescriptions in England cost £9.90 each A standard NHS dental check-up is £25.80 10. Help to Save – Earn up to £300 a year This government-backed savings account is designed to encourage low-income households to build a financial cushion. If you're on Universal Credit and meet the eligibility requirements, you can open a Help to Save account and get a 50% bonus on savings. You can save between £1 and £50 each month, and at the end of two years, you'll receive a bonus worth half of the highest balance you've saved. You can continue saving for up to four years, earning a maximum total bonus of £1,200 if you save the full amount every month. Payments can be stopped and restarted without penalty You can withdraw money if needed, but it may reduce your bonus Apply at 11. School uniform grants – Savings: up to £200 Buying new uniforms can be a major back-to-school expense. Fortunately, some local authorities offer school uniform grants to help cover the cost. These grants are often available if your child is eligible for free school meals and you're on Universal Credit. Examples include: City of London: £160 for secondary school pupils. Apply at Sefton Council: £45 for primary and £70 for secondary. See Wales: The Pupil Development Grant offers £200 to eligible families. More info at Grants are often paid as vouchers, bank transfers, or reimbursements. Deadlines and application processes vary, so check with your local authority. 12. Free or discounted travel – Savings: up to 50% off Help with travel costs is available in several forms if you're on Universal Credit and looking for work or studying: Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card: Offers up to 50% off rail fares. Available to jobseekers who have been claiming UC or JSA for at least 13 weeks (or longer depending on age). More info at 16–17 Saver Card: Reduces fares by 50% for young people. Apply at Student Oyster Photocard: Offers 30% off travelcards and bus passes in London. See Note: Eligibility criteria and application processes vary by scheme. Some discounts depend on your age or how long you've been claiming UC. Some councils also offer additional support, for example, Derbyshire County Council provides bus travel support through its Wheels to Work scheme. 13. Flexible Support Fund – Savings: no official cap Administered by your Jobcentre, this discretionary fund can help cover work-related expenses to support you into employment. Unlike Universal Credit, this isn't a fixed payment and is granted based on individual need. You might be able to get: Up to £150 for tools, uniforms, or work clothing Travel costs to interviews or training Short-term childcare support For example, one claimant in Leeds received £120 to cover train tickets for job interviews. To apply, speak directly to your work coach, who can authorise support. 14. Maternity grants – Savings: £500 per child The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off tax-free payment to help with the cost of a new baby. You don't have to repay it, and it won't affect other benefits. You'll get £500 if: It's your first child You're expecting twins or more, and already have children Applications open from 11 weeks before the due date until 6 months after birth. You must be on Universal Credit and not already receiving other maternity payments. Download the SF100 form at and send it by post. 15. Healthy Start vouchers – Savings: up to £442/year Eligible parents can receive prepaid cards that are topped up every four weeks, helping you buy healthy foods and milk. It's designed for pregnant women and parents of children under four. £4.25/week if pregnant (from week 10) £8.50/week for children under 1 £4.25/week for kids aged 1–4 In a child's first year, this adds up to £442, and about £221 per year after that. You're eligible if you're on Universal Credit with earnings below £408/month. Apply online at 16. Funeral expenses payment – Savings: up to £1,000 If you're arranging a funeral and receive UC, you might qualify for this payment to cover necessary costs. This payment is usually made to the funeral director. You can get up to £1,000 for: Flowers Funeral director's fees Travel costs Burial or cremation fees may also be covered separately. Payments depend on your relationship with the deceased and other contributions (e.g. from insurance). Find out more at 17. Legal aid – Savings: varies by case Legal aid can cover the cost of advice or representation for those facing serious legal issues. If you're on Universal Credit, you may qualify if your case meets the criteria. Support is available for: Domestic violence and child protection Housing or eviction cases Discrimination Immigration or asylum matters You may have to contribute towards costs depending on your income or assets. Check eligibility at 18. Childcare support – Savings: up to £1,769/month If you're working at least 16 hours/week and on UC, you can claim back 85% of childcare costs: £1,031.88 for one child £1,768.94 for two or more children The money is paid after you've submitted evidence of payment each month. There are often delays, so it's important to budget carefully or ask providers if they'll accept delayed payment. Apply through your UC account at 19. Free childcare hours (England only) – Savings: up to £7,500 From September 2024, parents of 2-year-olds in working families can access 15 free hours of childcare per week. From September 2025, this extends to 30 hours for children from nine months old. To be eligible: Both parents must be working (or one, in single-parent households) You must earn at least £183/week and under £100,000/year The Government says this will save families an average of £7,500 a year. More details at 20. Discounted glasses and eye tests – Savings: up to £233.56 NHS optical support includes: Free eye tests every two years Vouchers for glasses or lenses worth between £42.40 and £233.56 depending on your prescription Some opticians apply the discount automatically if you show your UC award letter. Check the NHS guide at
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit are missing out on help with key bill
We share how you can apply for the support TO YOUR BENEFIT Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit are missing out on help with key bill Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS on benefits, including Universal Credit, are missing out on help with a key bill. Council tax is an annual fee you pay to your local council. The cost is set by your council and goes towards funding local services. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 We explain how you can help with your council tax bill if you claim Universal Credit Credit: Alamy That means the amount you pay varies depending on where you live. You usually have to pay the charge if you own or rent your home. But if you claim certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you could be entitled to a discount on the amount you pay. The support is given out by local councils in England, so how much you get will depend on where you live, your income, dependants and other benefits. You can find out if you're eligible by visiting To use the tool, you will need to enter your postcode and it will redirect you to your local council's website where you can find out more. How much you get will also depend on what band you are in. The bands range from A to H, with A homes paying the least and H the most. For example, households in Leeds can apply for a Council Tax Support if they claim Universal Credit or Carers Allowance. In Manchester, you can claim council tax support when you apply for Universal Credit. Disability benefit explained - what you can claim If you are already receiving council tax support but are due to be moved across to Universal Credit it is important to tell the council. The government is in the process of moving people on older benefits, like tax credits and income-based ESA, to the newer Universal Credit system. You may have received a migration notice in the form of a letter. As soon as you get this, write to your local council to ensure your support continues. Charities such as Shelter have information online about how to structure the letter. You can find out more by visiting, What other Council Tax Support is available? If you're not receiving benefits or don't qualify for your local authority's low-income council tax support scheme, you may still be eligible for help. Pensioners may also be able to get a council tax discount if they receive certain benefits. Those on the guarantee credit element of pension credit could get up to 100% off their bill. If you do not get guaranteed credit but have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings then you may still get some help. Meanwhile, if you are a pensioner who lives alone then you will qualify for a 25% discount. Elsewhere, you could get a 25% council tax reduction if you live on your own or if others at home are classed as "disregarded". For example, if a single adult lives with a severely mentally impaired person then they can get 25% off their council tax. Meanwhile, if you live in an all-student household then you do not need to pay any council tax.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Six ways to get the most out of your Universal Credit claim – including £1,900 in boosted cash
We reveal below how you can claim benefits if you haven't already TO YOUR CREDIT Six ways to get the most out of your Universal Credit claim – including £1,900 in boosted cash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit could be missing out on extra free cash to cover the cost of living. Those on the benefit qualify for extra support that can be worth hundreds of extra pounds. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 We reveal below some of the extra help you can get if you're on Universal Credit Credit: Alamy From help via the Household Support Fund (HSF) to a one-off payment for new parents, here's all the help you can get. Household Support Fund - £1,000 The Household Support Fund is a giant pot of cash worth £742million that's been shared between councils in England. Local authorities then have to decide how to distribute their share of the fund, whether that be through direct payments, vouchers or more. Eligibility criteria varies from area to area too, however in lots of cases you'll receive help if you're on benefits like Universal Credit. Read more on Universal Credit RENT SUPPORT Thousands of renters on benefits can get £600 of help with little-known scheme For example, residents in Portsmouth on Universal Credit struggling to afford essentials can apply for payments worth up to £1,000. Households in Calderdale can also get two awards worth £85 each between now and March 31, 2026. Find out what help is on offer in your area by speaking to your local council. You can find your local council via Discounted transport and help with job applications - £150 Those on Universal Credit can get a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount card, cutting public transport costs by 50%. The card is free but you'll need to have been claiming Universal Credit for up to 12 months to apply. Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence You can apply for one of the cards at your local JobCentre which you can find via There's also the Flexible Support Fund, which can cover costs like: Travel to interviews Job training (up to £150) Uniforms, work tools, and childcare One-off maternity payment - £500 New mums on Universal Credit can bag themselves £500 in free cash through the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child and paid to those in England and Wales. You usually qualify if you're pregnant with your first child or are expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already. Find out more about the grant here - Council tax support - £190 You might be able to get a council tax reduction if you're on benefits including Universal Credit. In some cases, your monthly bill might be slashed by 100%. Each council runs its own scheme so there's no set rule across England. You can find out more via and enter your postcode to find your local council. The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2025/26 is £2,280 a year. Divided by 12 months of the year, that means you could save £190 a month based on a 100% discount. Help to Start - £25 Help to Save is a special savings account for those on Universal Credit who earned £1 or more in their last assessment period. The Government gives you a tax-free 50% bonus on whatever you save. You can save between £1 and £50 into a Help to Save account each month and keep one open for up to four years. Bonuses are paid at the end of the second and fourth year and are worth up to £1,200 in total. Per month that's £25. Healthy Start - £36 The Healthy Start scheme provides prepaid cards to buy essentials like milk, fruit, and vegetables. It's for families expecting a baby or that already have children under four and on certain benefits like Universal Credit. You could get up to £442 a year, depending on your circumstances, equating to around £36 a month. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Universal Credit households can get 10 free days out this half term – see the full list
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FAMILIES on Universal Credit can bag up to 10 bargain days out this May half term – with some attractions slashing prices to just £1 or even free of charge. With budgets squeezed tighter than ever, thousands of Brits claiming means-tested benefits can still enjoy top UK hotspots without breaking the bank. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 There's plenty of free and cheap days out for families on Universal Credit Credit: Alamy The half term fun kicks off this weekend and runs through to Sunday 1 June, with some of the country's biggest attractions offering discounted entry to help ease the cost of days out. From zoos and palaces to museums and gardens, we've rounded up the best deals for those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Tax Credits and other benefits. York Castle Museum – FREE Step into Britain's past at this popular Yorkshire museum. Claimants can get in totally free – and that's a saving of up to £17 per adult. Kids under five also go free, making this a great day out for families on a budget. Tate exhibitions – FREE Entry to the main galleries is free, but exhibition access at Tate Britain, Tate Modern and Tate Liverpool is just £5 for benefit claimants. You'll need to show benefit proof when attending. Kew Gardens – £1 entry Wander through 300 acres of stunning green space and glasshouses at London's iconic garden spot for just £1. Anyone receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit qualifies. You can bring up to four extra guests, though they'll need standard-price tickets. You can also bring up to four guests – though they'll pay full price – and you must book online. ITVX teams up with HayU for 750 hours of new TV Historic Royal Palaces – £1 per person Get royal treatment on a budget with £1 tickets to the Tower of London, Kensington Palace or Hampton Court Palace. You'll need proof of benefit, but you can take up to five guests with you on the discount. Standard adult tickets can cost up to £33.60 – so this is a huge saving. RHS Gardens – £1 tickets for six The Royal Horticultural Society is offering £1 access to its gardens, including Wisley, Harlow Carr and more. You're eligible if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Tax Credits. The deal applies to benefit claimants plus five guests. London Transport Museum – £1 annual pass Just £1 gets you a full year's entry to the London Transport Museum. This applies to those on either Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Tax Credits. Bring your benefit letter and get access again and again for less than the price of a Tube ride. Westminster Abbey – £1 adult, free child One of London's most iconic landmarks now offers £1 entry to Universal Credit holders, plus one child goes free. All you need is your benefit letter on the day. With up to £60 in savings per visit, these deals could help families cram in multiple days out for less than a tenner – just in time for the school break. Make sure to check the terms and book in advance where needed, and don't forget to bring proof of your benefit when visiting. London Zoo – from £3 Animal fans can grab tickets from just £3 per person – a steal compared to the usual £34.50 adult rate. Meaning that two adults can save over £60. The deal covers up to six people per household – but you'll need to book online and bring benefit proof on the day. The deal is available to those on Universal Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits and Pension Credit. Chatsworth House – from £3 Explore the grand house, gardens and farmyard for just £3 if you're on Universal Credit. Kids aged 3–16 pay £1 and under-threes go free. Proof is needed and tickets must be pre-booked. Edinburgh Zoo – tickets from £7 Up in Scotland? Families on Universal Credit can enjoy the zoo for as little as £7 per person. Again, online booking and proof is required.
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Universal Credit loophole that could help you get a ‘alternative payment' deal to help pay housing costs
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of households on Universal Credit could get extra help to pay for their housing costs through a little-known loophole. Universal Credit was introduced to simplify the benefits system by replacing six so-called legacy benefits with a single monthly payment, designed to mimic the structure of a monthly salary. 1 2BM7WB3 Woman applying for Universal Credit Credit: Alamy However, for vulnerable individuals or those facing particular challenges, there are additional support options available, known as alternative payment arrangements (APAs). These arrangements, which are not widely publicised, can provide tailored assistance to those who need extra help managing their finances. Claimants can request payments to be made directly to their landlord, split payments between partners in a household, or even receive their Universal Credit more frequently than once a month. These measures aim to ease financial pressures and ensure support is accessible for those in special circumstances or who may be deemed at greater risk. Here we explain hot you can get the additional support if you're struggling on Universal Credit. Direct payments to landlord One of the key elements of Universal Credit is housing support, which is typically paid as part of the claimant's monthly payment. This means most people are responsible for paying their rent directly to their landlord. However, for those who may struggle with this responsibility, there is the option to request a managed payment, where the housing portion of Universal Credit is paid directly to the landlord. This arrangement can provide peace of mind for claimants who are worried about falling behind on rent and can also help landlords ensure timely payment. It's worth noting, however, that if the housing element you get doesn't cover the full rent amount, you'll still responsible for paying the remaining balance themselves. How does work affect Universal Credit? To qualify, a managed payment can usually be made when: A claimant is in arrears with their rent for an amount equal to, or more than, two months of their rent A claimant has continually underpaid their rent over more than two months, and they have accrued arrears of an amount equal to or more than one month's rent A claimant previously received housing benefit and it was paid to their landlord Either the claimant, or their landlord can make the request. If the claimant is making the request, this can be by: Using their online Universal Credit account Talking to their work coach or case manager Phoning Universal Credit on 0800 328 5644 Following a request for a managed payment a decision will be made whether or not a managed payment is appropriate and both the landlord and claimant will be informed of the decision. How much Universal Credit can I get? DEPENDING on your circumstances you could be eligible for up to £400.14 a month through the standard allowance if you're over 25 and single. But the exact amount you'll get depends on your circumstances. Everyone who is accepted on Universal Credit will be entitled to a Standard Allowance: Single and aged under 25: £316.98 per month Single and aged 25 or over: £400.14 per month Joint claimants both aged under 25: £497.55 per month Joint claimants where one is aged 25 or over: £628.10 per month Once your household allowance is calculated, the DWP will take into account any additional claim elements such as children, housing, or disabilities. For example if your child is under the age of 16 then you can be entitled to: £339.00 per month for a first or only child born before April 6, 2017 £292.81 per month per child in all other circumstances You can only claim this element for a maximum of two children unless you have twins or you've adopted. We've listed all the other elements you can get depending on your circumstances. What are the other alternative payment arrangements? If you're finding it difficult to manage your finances with a single monthly Universal Credit payment, you may be eligible to receive your payments weekly or fortnightly, particularly if you're dealing with significant challenges. You'll usually qualify if you have: Drug and alcohol problems Learning disabilities Severe debt problems Living in temporary or supported accommodation Current homelessness Domestic violence or abuse Mental health problems Being in rent arrears or under threat of eviction or repossession Age 16 or 17 or who have left local authority care Families with multiple and complex needs If you believe you're eligible, speak to your work coach and explain your situation. However, it's important to note that more frequent payments are only granted in very exceptional cases. The DWP will make the final decision, which cannot be appealed. You'll also need to demonstrate that you're unable to manage the standard single monthly payment. If approved, your payment arrangement will be reviewed regularly to assess whether it's still needed. In certain situations, couples who share a Universal Credit claim can request to have their payments split between them. This option is designed to protect vulnerable individuals, such as: Claimants experiencing domestic abuse Cases where one partner is mismanaging the household's Universal Credit payment Split payments aim to prevent financial hardship for the claimant and their family. In such cases, the larger portion of the payment is typically allocated to the partner with primary caring responsibilities. Again, split payments are only approved in very exceptional circumstances, and the DWP will decide if this arrangement is appropriate. If you think this applies to you, speak to your work coach about whether you may qualify for this type of support.
