Universal Credit recipients may not be fully benefiting from the system, with many failing to claim additional support for costs, dental treatments and even groceries.
According to Shelter, Universal Credit claimants could be entitled to more than just their benefits payments through additional schemes and support available through their claim depending on their circumstances.
This can range from extra money to cover childcare costs to free prescriptions and help with transport.
For those with children, up to 85% of their childcare costs can be reimbursed every month through their Universal Credit payments.
They will have to pay the bill first and then get reimbursed through the benefit up to a maximum of £1,015 for one child and £1,739 for two or more.
Moreover, their children could qualify for free school meals if the household annual income is less than £7,400. It’s crucial to remember that this figure doesn’t include Universal Credit income or other benefits.
Pregnant claimants or those with children under the age of four are eligible for Healthy Start cards which allow them to buy fruit, vegetables, milk and vitamins if their income after tax is less than £408 a month.
If a person is pregnant with their first child they could be eligible for a £500 maternity grant. This can be claimed up to 11 weeks before the due date or up to six months after the baby is born.
Those who already have a child may also qualify for a maternity grant under certain conditions. This includes individuals expecting twins, those with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or a Ukraine visa if this is their first child they are expecting in the UK.
For those on Universal Credit struggling to meet work-related costs such as training, clothing, upfront childcare costs or travel to their job or interviews, additional support may be available.
Shelter advises people in these situations to reach out to their work coach, who can determine if they are eligible for extra help from the flexible support fund.
The majority of Universal Credit recipients can claim free prescriptions and receive assistance to cover the cost of eye tests and dental treatment if their earnings in their last assessment period were below a certain threshold.
This varies based on their circumstances such as their dependents, work expectations and disabilities.
