Thousands of people claiming Universal Credit could be entitled to a significant financial boost, with a range of additional support potentially worth more than £4,000. Many recipients of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit may be unaware of the extra help available to them on top of their regular monthly payments.
Substantial savings on Council Tax and household costs
One of the most valuable forms of support is a discount on Council Tax. Those on Universal Credit can apply for a reduction of up to 75 per cent on their annual bill. The exact amount saved depends on individual circumstances, including income, whether you live alone, and if you have children or a disability. For an average Band D property, this discount could be worth as much as £1,628.
Another key source of help is the Household Support Fund. This is a pot of money distributed by local councils but funded by the DWP to assist households struggling with essential costs. The support available varies across the country. For example, Camden Council offers up to £500 in cash to eligible low-income households. Other local authorities provide between £50 and £400, sometimes in the form of shopping vouchers instead of cash. While many councils require applicants to be on Universal Credit or another low-income benefit like Pension Credit, this is not a universal rule.
Targeted help with energy bills and debt
Managing energy costs is a major concern, and Universal Credit claimants may qualify for specific assistance. Several energy suppliers, including British Gas and Octopus Energy, run schemes to help those on low-income benefits.
Initiatives like the British Gas Energy Trust's Individual and Families Fund can write off between £50 and £2,000 of existing gas and electricity debt. To be eligible, applicants usually need to have received advice from a money advice agency and must be seeking to clear debt for their own home with an open energy account. Other suppliers operate similar programmes, so it is advisable to contact your provider directly to see what support they offer.
Furthermore, the Warm Homes Discount provides a direct credit of £150 towards energy bills during the colder months. This scheme is open to many Universal Credit claimants and applications are open until February 28 this year.
Claim what you are entitled to
The combined value of these discounts and funds highlights the substantial extra financial support that can be accessed by those receiving Universal Credit. With potential savings exceeding £4,278, it is crucial for claimants to investigate and apply for all the help they are entitled to, ensuring they are not missing out on vital assistance with some of life's biggest expenses.
