People who claim benefits could receive additional help in October worth thousands of pounds. There are 30 ways those who receive DWP benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance and Pension Credit can benefit - including money towards school uniforms, discounted train fares and free school transport.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimate 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, the Express reports. This includes 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. With the cost of living crisis, it's more important than ever to check what you could be entitled to - and the additional support available.
We have rounded up 30 additional support measures you may be entitled to if you are claiming benefits.
30 ways of getting extra cash and financial assistance if you are on 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.
