Benefit claimants could qualify for 30 freeebies worth thousands
Johnny Mercer says he’ll vote against budget amid benefits row
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People who rely on Universal Credit, tax credits or pension credit could claim help with housing, energy and living costs from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Many people continue to miss out on this vital support because they aren’t sure of the eligibility criteria.
As the cost of living crisis shows no signs of going away anytime soon, there has never been a more important time to check someone’s benefits entitlement.
Some 30 million people rely on Universal Credit and DWP legacy benefits either because they are looking for work or to top up a low income.
These include Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
These DWP benefits act as gateway benefits to other financial support that could help people save thousands of pounds – so it’s worth claiming even if there is only a small financial incentive to start with.
Many people who qualify for these benefits are also entitled to a reduction in their council tax, reduced travel costs and £140 off fuel bills.
Depending on someone’s income, age and personal circumstances benefit claimants could be entitled to free prescriptions and a free TV licence.
To check entitlement, people can speak to the DWP or input their details into a benefits calculator like the one on Turn2Us.
Some 1.2 million people are estimated to be missing out on Universal Credit while around 850,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
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Meanwhile, half a million carers are missing out on Carer’s Allowance from the DWP which could be worth up to £3,624.
The person they are caring for must also be claiming benefits and it may affect their entitlement so it’s best to check first.
Meanwhile, more than 500,000 Universal Credit claimants missed out on the first cost of living payment worth £324 because of a “technical loophole”.
They didn’t receive because they had two paydays in the same 30-day qualifying period, although they would typically be paid less.
A further 6,600 Universal Credit claimants were refused the £324 payment because their benefits were temporarily stopped.
The DWP said they should receive the second cost of living payment due in the autumn and could appeal if they think they should have received the first one.
To appeal a decision, people can speak to their work coach or leave a message in their journal.
30 freebies you may be able to get if claiming benefits:
- Reduced council tax bills
- Capped water bills
- Half price bus
- Discounted rail fares
- Free or discounted gym membership
- Help with new job costs
- Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
- £25 in Cold Weather Payments
- Free or cheap broadband from TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT
- Cheap BT phone calls
- Free prescriptions for people with zero income or those on a low income
- Free dental treatment
- Eye tests and discounted glasses
- Free school transport
- Free school meals
- Discounted childcare costs
- £150 towards school uniforms – dependent on the local authority
- £1,200 free cash as part of the Government’s Help to Save scheme
- Food vouchers for kids as part of the Healthy Start scheme
- Maternity grant up to £1,000
- Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000) to make changes to a home
- Homeowners can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for a boiler
- Homeowners can get help to pay for double glazing as part of the Green Homes Scheme
- Up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments
- Free wigs or fabric support provided by the NHS
- Free health travel costs
- Help with housing costs
- Help with funeral costs
- Bereavement support payments
- Reduced court fees.
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