Households on Universal Credit and benefits could get free cash and discounts to help this December that don't need to be paid back. Many people may be struggling to cover the cost of essentials, and Christmas will be adding extra stress to budgets. Help for those on Universal Credit and other benefits ranges from council tax discounts to supermarket food vouchers. Here, we've rounded up the 12 payments, discounts and freebies you could get this Christmas worth up to £8,732.
Christmas bonus – £10
Millions on Universal Credit and benefits will receive a Christmas bonus from next Monday. The tax-free £10 payment will be made during the qualifying week between December 4 and 8, according to the DWP. Eligible households don't need to apply for the bonus as it will be paid automatically – but they will need to meet the criteria. And as the £10 is a bonus, it won't need to be repaid either, nor will it affect any other benefits you receive.
Missing cost of living cash – £599
An estimated 1.4million pensioners are receiving pension credit which makes them eligible for a cost of living payment. But there are 850,000 more pensioners eligible for the benefit who aren't claiming it. It means that they risk missing out on the next two cost of living payments worth £300 and £299.
Household Support Fund – £500
The Household Support Fund was first set up in 2021 but has been extended multiple times. The most recent tranche of funding is worth £842million and has been distributed among councils in England. They are then allocating their own unique share. That means what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live, but in most cases you will be in line for help if you are receiving certain benefits or on a low income.
Cold weather payment – £25
The cold weather payment is dished out when temperatures are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below, on average, for seven consecutive days. When temperatures drop between November 1 and March 31, eligible Brits are entitled to extra money to heat their homes when this happens.
Winter fuel payment – up to £600
The winter fuel payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help with heating costs through the colder months. Most people who are eligible get it automatically, like if you receive the state pension or benefits. However, you won't necessarily qualify just because you claim housing benefit, council tax reduction, child benefit or Universal Credit.
Council Tax Discounts – £1,470
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for some help towards your council tax. Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
Help to Save – £1,200
Help to Save is a scheme available to those on Universal Credit and offering a 50% bonus on any savings you make.
Healthy start – £442
The cost of the weekly grocery shop is enough as it is without factoring in children. But new or expectant parents can get up to £442 worth of free food a year through the Healthy Start scheme.
Energy bill grants – £1,500
A number of energy firms offer struggling customers grants to cover the cost of their bills, including British Gas, Octopus Energy, Scottish Power and EDF.
Sure Start maternity grant – £500
New or expectant parents on certain benefits can get free cash help to cover the cost of having a child.
Free childcare – £1,630
Parents on Universal Credit can now receive money to cover up to 85% of childcare costs up front.
Social tariffs – £256
Households on benefits can take advantage of broadband social tariffs – you could save up to £256 on average a year too.
