Thousands of people up and down the country claim Universal Credit, the DWP’s catch-all benefit which is slowly replacing various other benefits in order to support people on low incomes.
Universal Credit is not just for those out of work, but is also applicable to many working full time on low salaries as a means to top up income.
But the benefit doesn’t stop there, and many may not realise that Universal Credit can be a gateway to as much as £4,278 of freebies and discounts you can apply for in January alone.
Council Tax discount – up to £1,628
Those on Universal Credit are eligible to claim up to 75% off their Council Tax bill. The exact amount depends on various factors such as your income, whether you live alone, have children or have a disability.
A 75% discount on an average Band D property would be worth £1,628.
Household Support Fund – £500
The Household Support Fund is a pot of cash made available to households via local councils, but funded by the DWP.
Because the scheme is devolved, some local authorities offer different amounts to others, while some offer cash and others offer shopping vouchers.
Camden Council offers as much as £500 cash to households on low incomes, while others can vary between £50 and £400.
Most councils want applicants to be on Universal Credit, or Pension Credit or another low income benefit, although not all.
Energy bill discounts – £2,000
British Gas as well as Octopus Energy and other firms offer schemes open to those on Universal Credit as well as other low income benefits like Pension Credit.
If you’re struggling to pay your bills or have run up a relatively high amount of energy debt, schemes like the British Gas Energy Trust’s individual and Families Fund and the British Gas Energy Support Fund can write off anywhere between £50 and £2,000 of debt on gas and electricity bills.
There is eligibility criteria: you must have received advice from a money advice agency before you can apply and you must be using the money to clear debt on your own property with an open account.
Other energy firms also offer their own versions of similar schemes so it’s worth checking directly with your supplier.
Warm Homes Discount – £150
Those on Universal Credit can also apply for the Warm Homes Discount. The benefit is a £150 credit put directly onto energy bills.
