Thousands on Universal Credit & benefits entitled to Christmas cash worth up to £8,017

WITH Christmas around the corner, and the cost of living continuing to rise, many households are feeling the financial strain. 

For those receiving benefits like Universal Credit, the winter period can be particularly challenging, as budgets are stretched to cover everyday essentials and festive expenses. 

However, there is good news: a range of additional benefits and freebies are available that could provide much-needed relief. 

These extras, worth up to £8,017.22, are designed to support low-income families and ensure no one is left struggling unnecessarily.

From energy bill grants to free childcare and more, this article highlights practical steps to access support and make the most of the assistance available. 

Whether you’re looking for help with housing, food, or even funeral costs, there’s something here for everyone. 

Read on to learn how to lighten your financial load and enjoy a more secure and stress-free holiday season.

1. Household support fund – up to £500

The Household Support Fund is aimed at helping low-income households with essential costs, such as food, energy bills, and household items. 

Each local council administers its own fund, which means that the type of support available and eligibility criteria can vary significantly depending on where you live.

Help is usually available to households on a low income or who receiving benefits like Universal Credit.

However, some councils will offer help to anyone that needs it. There may also be restrictions on how often you can access help from the fund.

Contact your local council to find out what’s available in your area and how to apply.

This might include completing an online form or providing evidence of your financial circumstances.

2. Council tax discount – up to £1,628.25

If you’re struggling with council tax payments, you may be eligible for a reduction of up to 75%. In some severe cases, your council tax bill could even be completely cancelled.

Eligibility depends on your income, whether you live alone or with others, and if you or someone in your household has a disability. Contact your council to find out whether you qualify for a discount.

You’ll need to provide proof of income and other details about your household.

For a Band D property, a 75% reduction amounts to £1,628.25 per year. The exact value depends on your council tax band and local rates.

3. Energy bill grants – up to £1,700

Many energy suppliers offer grants to help customers struggling with their bills. These grants can be used to clear outstanding debts or provide support for ongoing costs.

You must demonstrate financial hardship and may need to provide proof of income or benefits like Universal Credit.

Each energy supplier sets its own criteria.

Visit your energy supplier’s website to see what grants are available and complete an application form. Supporting documents are usually required.

The level of support on offer varies, but the British Gas Energy Fund, for example, offers grants up to £1,700 to eligible customers.

4. Discretionary housing payment (DHP) – average £518

A DHP provides extra help with housing costs for those already receiving housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

This support can cover rent shortfalls, deposits, or moving costs.

To get the help, you must be in receipt of housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

Beyond that, eligibility is determined by your local council based on your financial situation.

Contact your local council to request a DHP application form. Be prepared to explain your circumstances and provide evidence of financial need.

The average payment is £518, though this varies depending on your council’s policies and your individual needs.

5. Welfare assistance scheme

These schemes, run by councils, offer emergency financial help for essentials like food, clothing, and household appliances.

The type of support and amounts available vary widely between local authorities.

You typically need to be on a low income or receiving benefits like Universal Credit, but each council sets its own criteria.

Contact your local council to find out what assistance is available and how to apply.

The amounts can be substantial, for example, Merton Council offers up to £500 for essential household items, with additional support for emergencies.

6. Free childcare – up to £1,739.37 per month

Universal Credit claimants can get back up to 85% of childcare costs, up to a monthly limit. This includes nurseries, after-school clubs, and holiday clubs.

You must be working and claiming Universal Credit, and the childcare provider must be registered.

You can submit receipts for childcare costs through your Universal Credit journal.

You’ll receive up to£1,014.63 per month for one child or £1,739.37 for two or more children.

This is a maximum, and the actual amount you get will depend on your childcare costs.

7. Flexible support fund – up to £150

This fund helps with work-related expenses, such as travel, uniforms, or training.

It’s designed to support Universal Credit claimants who are actively seeking employment.

You must be working with a JobCentre Plus advisor to find employment to get the money.

It’s a discretionary fund, so you need to talk to your advisor about your needs and the application process.

Training costs can be covered up to £150, and there is additional support available to cover things like uniform, commute costs, training, and childcare.

8. Help to save scheme – £25 bonus in December

The Help to Save scheme rewards Universal Credit claimants who save some money by offering a 50% government bonus.

You can save up to £50 a month for five years, which means the maximum bonus this December is £25.

To apply, open an account through the government’s Help to Save website. Over four years, you could earn up to £1,200 in bonuses.

9. DWP Christmas bonus – £10

The Department for Work and Pensions pays a one-off Christmas bonus of £10 to benefits claimants – including people on Universal Credit. The money is automatically paid to people who are eligible in December.

10. School uniform grants – up to £200

Grants are available from some councils to help with the cost of school uniforms.

In Wales, the grant is worth £200, while in England, amounts vary by council.

Most councils say you need to be getting benefits, such as Universal Credit, but some have additional criteria. Check your local council’s website for details.

11. Healthy start vouchers – £42.50 in December

These vouchers help pregnant women and families with children under four to buy healthy food and milk.

They’re available for households on Universal Credit that earn less than per month.

The money is loaded onto a card and can only be spent on certain things such as fruit, vegetables, and milk-based formulas.

Apply online via the Healthy Start website. For December, the maximum benefit is £42.50, depending on the age of your children.

12. Warm homes discount scheme – £150

The Warm Homes Discount offers a £150 reduction on energy bills applied directly to your account by your supplier.

Universal Credit claimants typically qualify, but not all suppliers participate, so you need to check with your energy provider to see if they’re part of the scheme.

13. Free prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests – save up to £319.10

Universal Credit claimants may qualify for free NHS prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests if their income is below a certain threshold.

Single claimants must have a take-home pay of £435 or less. This limit increases to £935 for those with children or limited work capability.

To apply, you need to complete an HC1 form, which can be found on the gov.uk or NHS websites.

Savings can range from £9.54 for a prescription to £319.10 for complex dental treatment.

14. Social broadband tariffs – save £5-£15 monthly

Discounted broadband plans are available for low-income households. Prices range from £14.99 to £20 per month.

Usually, you’ll need to show that you’re on a low income, and lots or providers say you need to be in receipt of certain benefits. 

Contact your broadband provider to ask about social tariffs and whether you qualify.

15. Water bill help

Water companies offer social tariffs to reduce bills for low-income households.

Discounts vary by provider, as do the eligibility criteria. Visit the CCW website to find details for your provider.

Bournemouth Water offers up to 85% off bills, while Affinity Water caps charges at £79.70 annually.

16. Funeral expenses payment – up to £1,000

This payment helps cover funeral costs for a partner, child, or close relative if you’re on Universal Credit or a low income.

You can apply through the DWP online or by post.

You can get up to 1,000 for funeral-related expenses.

17. Sure Start maternity grant – £500

Expecting your first child? You may be entitled to a £500 maternity grant to help with costs.

You need to be on certain benefits, including Universal Credit to get the cash. To apply, submit an SF100 form online or via post.