Universal Credit claimants could get freebies and discounts worth over £10,000 in April - check what you can claim

Universal Credit payments to be slashed, Rachel Reeves announces
GBNEWS
Temie Laleye

By Temie Laleye


Published: 12/04/2025

- 11:31

These benefits are designed to provide crucial financial relief for struggling households across the UK

Universal Credit claimants can access a comprehensive range of financial support worth up to £10,250 annually to help with essential costs.

The support includes discounts on broadband, mobile contracts, council tax and energy bills, as well as assistance with childcare, travel and healthcare expenses.


Some of the support may even be available to those who are finding it difficult to make ends meet but are not receiving benefits.

The available help covers numerous aspects of daily life, from utility bills to food costs, offering significant savings for families on low incomes.

With the cost of living remaining high, these schemes provide vital assistance to those most in need during challenging financial times.

Broadband Social Tariffs - Approximately £170 Savings

Those receiving Universal Credit and other qualifying benefits can significantly reduce their broadband costs through social tariffs.

These special rates are available for as little as £12.50 a month, compared to the average broadband cost of £26.90.

Mobile Contracts - Approximately £200 Savings

Similar savings can be made on mobile contracts through social tariffs. For example, O2's Essentials plan costs just £10 monthly, compared to the average £27 for a SIM and handset.

DWP

With the cost of living remaining high, these schemes provide vital assistance to those most in need during challenging financial times

GETTY

Council Tax Support - Up to £2,280 Savings

Those struggling financially may be able to get their bills reduced or even completely wiped. Council Tax Support offers significant relief for those on low incomes or benefits, with potential discounts varying based on individual circumstances and location.

Energy Bill Assistance - Up to £2,000 Savings

For energy bills, various support schemes are available through suppliers. The British Gas Energy Support Fund currently offers grants of up to £2,000 to struggling households.

Household Support Fund - Approximately £200 Value

The Household Support Fund also provides financial assistance through local councils. This £742 million fund is distributed to councils across England to help residents most in need.

Sure Start Maternity Grant - £500 One-Off Payment

The Sure Start Maternity grant offers new parents a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of having a child.

Outside of Universal Credit

The Household Support Fund also provides financial assistance through local councils

PA

Childcare Support - Up to £1,768.94 Covered

Universal Credit claimants can also get 85 per cent of childcare costs covered, up to £1,031.88 for one child or £1,768.94 for two or more children.

Free School Meals and Holiday Help - Up to £655 per Child

Families with school-aged children can access free school meals worth around £460 per child annually. During school holidays, eligible families may receive up to £15 per week, potentially amounting to £195 over 13 weeks.

WaterSure Scheme - Up to £316 Savings

The WaterSure scheme offers significant savings for large families or those with medical needs who receive Universal Credit. Anglian Water currently offers a rate of £310 annually compared to the average projected bill of £626.

Free NHS Prescriptions - Approximately £118.80 Savings

Free NHS prescriptions are available to those on certain benefits, saving around £118.80 per year based on one prescription monthly.

Job Centre Plus

The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card provides 50 per cent off train fares for those actively seeking work

PA

Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount - Up to 50 per cent off fares

The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card provides 50 per cent off train fares for those actively seeking work.

Help to Save Scheme - Up to £1,200 Bonus

The Help to Save scheme offers a 50 per cent bonus on savings, with potential bonuses of up to £1,200 over four years.

Healthy Start Scheme - Up to £442 Free Food

New or expectant parents can receive up to £442 worth of free food annually through the Healthy Start scheme.

Discounted Gym Memberships - Approximately £240 Savings

Discounted gym memberships are also available, with prices as low as £5 monthly compared to standard rates of around £25.