DWP and HMRC discounts could save families thousands of pounds over Christmas - full list of benefits

Here is a full list of the DWP and HMRC benefits and discount you could claim this Christmas:

• Council tax discount - potential saving of £2,000
• Discretionary Housing Payment - financial aid for rent or housing costs for Universal Credit claimants
• DWP Christmas bonus - potential saving of £100
• Energy bill grant - potential saving of £300
• Flexible support fund - potential saving of £150
• Free childcare - potential saving of up to £1,700 per month
• Funeral expenses payment - potential saving of up to £1,000
• Healthy start vouchers - financial aid for healthy food and pregnancy items for Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit claimants
• Household Support Fund - hundreds of pounds available per council
• School uniform grants - dependent on local authority
• Warm Home Discount - potential saving of £150.

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Single persons living alone can receive a discount on their council tax bill. Students, those receiving Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, and people on low-income benefits are also eligible for reductions.

Individuals with disabilities or those living with someone who has a disability may qualify for a discount. Those with severe mental impairment (SMI) can also receive council tax support.

For perspective, a band D property typically costs more than £2,000 annually in council tax, representing substantial potential savings for qualifying households.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) offer vital support for those struggling with rent or housing costs. These payments are available to people receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

DHPs can help cover rent gaps, deposits, or advance rent payments for those moving to a new address. The DWP is also providing a £10 Christmas Bonus to benefit claimants this festive season.

This bonus is available to those receiving qualifying benefits such as Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit or Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

The payment will appear as 'DWP XB' on bank statements, with all payments expected to be completed by January. Households struggling with energy costs could receive up to £300 through the Government's Household Support Fund scheme.

This support is distributed through local councils, with varying grant amounts depending on the area. For example, Blackpool Council offers payments of £200 and £300 to households finding it difficult to afford energy costs.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a £150 reduction on electricity bills for those on certain benefits. This discount is paid directly to energy suppliers between October and March. Credit customers receive the £150 directly to their electricity account, while those on Pay As You Go or Prepayment receive a voucher.

Parents can access various forms of family support, including childcare funding and essential items. Since April, parents of children over nine months can receive 15 hours of funded childcare in England.

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The Healthy Start Scheme provides a payment card for food, milk, and vitamins during pregnancy and early childhood.

Parents claiming Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit can apply through the NHS website. School uniform grants worth up to £200 are available for low-income households through some local councils.

The Flexible Support Fund, available through local jobcentres, helps parents return to work and can cover training costs up to £150.

From September 2024, families with children aged between nine months and school age will be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare weekly.

To check eligibility for these various support schemes, residents can contact their local council directly.