Millions eligible for extra Universal Credit help - how to check if you're entitled

Millions of Brits could be entitled to extra help if they are on Universal Credit.

The UK is being gripped by a nasty cost of living crisis with people forced to pay more for their food and fuel, while energy bills have shot up along with water and mobile phone payments.

The extra costs, along with pricier food in shops, means that people are struggling to keep up with the costs, even if they are Universal Credit benefit claimants already.

At the moment, any extra help could be a vital lifeline for those struggling to keep food on the table, even with the 3.1% rise in Universal Credit payments. Inflation itself reached 7% just last month.

So what extra discounts and payments can people on Universal Credit get?

Can I get free school meals?

Free school meals are a vital lifeline for some children ((Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images))

With the cost of food going up, feeding your child may cause you some problems and one way to save on this expense is through free school meals.

Those already on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Child Tax Credit are eligible.

Other eligible people include people who receive the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you applied on or after April 1 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

The government explained: "If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on March 31 2023."

Can I get my council tax reduced?

High bills and inflation isn't helped by a hefty council tax bill you might not need to pay (Getty Images)

People on Universal Credit could be eligible to get their council tax reduced.

Those eligible might be getting a discount already so you should check your bill and contact the council if you are not sure.

If you are the only adult in your home, you can get a 25% discount on your council tax bill. If someone moves out, you should let the council know immediately.

Meanwhile, if every person in your home is a student or has a severe mental impairment, you will not have to pay any council tax.

The council tax rebate is also being rolled out this month for the council tax bands A to D - this does not need to be paid back.

Can I get a grant when I have a new baby?

Having a new baby is an amazing time, but the extra costs can be a worry (Getty Images)

Parents with a new baby may be entitled to a Sure Start Maternity Grant, a one-off payment of £500.

This has to be claimed within 11 weeks of the baby's due date or before six months after the baby's birth.

The government explained the criteria for this benefit:

• You’re expecting your first child, or you’re expecting multiple births (such as twins) and have children already
• You or your partner already get certain benefits

I can't pay my energy bills, what should I do?

Energy bills went up by a huge amount in April, but you could be entitled to help (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

Energy companies are legally required to try and help you pay back your energy bill debt, so you need to ask them to review your payment methods.

Some suppliers offer grants, so the onus is on people to contact their suppliers to see what they're entitled to.