MILLIONS of households on Universal Credit struggling with the cost of living crisis are eligible to claim help from a number of schemes.
Households can typically get extra support including free cash grants, energy bill discounts and free food.
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However, thousands are missing out because they don’t realise that they are entitled to this support.
It means they can miss out on extra help worth hundreds of pounds.
We spoke to Jonathan Chesterman, benefits and debt expert at Stepchange, to find out exactly what extra support households can get.
He has nearly 30 years of experience helping households with their money troubles and is part of The Sun’s Squeeze Team panel of experts.
Here are seven schemes you can apply for if you claim Universal Credit.
Help to Save scheme
Struggling households can use government schemes set up to help those on low incomes boost their savings.
The Help to Save scheme, a government-backed savings account, can help those on low incomes boost their savings by 50p for every £1 saved.
You can save a maximum of £2,400 a year — or £50 a month — and if you max out the allowance you’d earn an extra £1,200 in free cash.
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Jonathan said: “If you’re claiming Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, you could be eligible to open a Help to Save account.
“And because it’s a government scheme, all your money is secure.”
Healthy Start scheme
Families struggling to put food on the table can apply for Healthy Start vouchers.
You can get the help if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four – and claim certain benefits, which include Universal Credit.
Jonathan said: “The Healthy Start scheme provides vouchers for milk (and instant formula milk), fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and vitamins for low-income families.
“If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.”
NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) previously told The Sun up to 153,371 families are not claiming these vouchers even though they’re eligible.
You can apply for Healthy Start vouchers via the NHS online application form on their website.
Energy bill help
Jonathan said: “While the energy price cap has dropped slightly from the record highs we saw last winter, bills are still unaffordable for many households.”
But there are ways that those on Universal Credit can get extra help to pay for eye-watering price hikes.
Jonathan said support is available through the Household Support Fund.
The eligibility criteria vary across the country but many local authorities will offer help to people on Universal Credit.
Suppliers also award grants to those hardest hit.
For instance, the British Gas Energy Trust is giving out up to £1,500 through its hardship fund – and you don’t even have to be a customer.
If you’re on Universal Credit and have a low income you could qualify.
School uniform grants
Parents might be worried about how to afford school uniforms for the new term after the summer holidays end.
But you could get help to lower costs, Jonathan said: “Some local councils offer grants to those on low incomes to help with school uniform and PE kit costs – but the amount given varies, and eligibility criteria vary by council.”
The Sun found last year that councils were offering up to £200 to hard-pressed families.
For example, in Essex you’ll just get £62 – but in Wales, you can get £200.
Apply for a grant through your local council – use the government’s finder tool to see who yours is.
Childcare support
The government has recently reviewed the amount of support available for childcare costs.
Jonathan said: “Parents in receipt of Universal Credit may be able to claim up to 85% of their childcare costs back.”
Plus, working parents can receive 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged three to four, while parents on certain means-tested benefits might also be able to get 15 hours of free childcare for children aged two.
Parents should visit the childcare calculator on the Gov.UK website to find out what they’re eligible for.
Breathing Space
The Debt Respite Scheme, also known as Breathing Space, gives you legal protections from creditors for a set period.
You can apply for the Breathing Space scheme if you live in England or Wales and must owe at least one qualifying debt to a creditor. This includes:
- Credit cards
- Store cards
- Personal loans
- Pay day loans
- Overdrafts
- Utility bill arrears
- Mortgage or rent arrears
Jonathan said: “If you’re struggling with problem debt, the Breathing Space scheme can help to relieve some of the stress and pressure of dealing with your creditors.
“If you pass the eligibility checks, your creditors won’t be able to add interest or fees to your debts, or take enforcement action, for 60 days.”
A debt advice charity like StepChange can help you to apply.
Talk to your providers or get free debt advice
Jonathan said: “If you are struggling with certain household bills, or have fallen behind on credit commitments, don’t suffer in silence.
“Help is available – if you contact your creditors to let them know, they have a regulatory responsibility to support you, and inform you of your options.
“This could include informing you of any available hardship grants or by arranging more affordable payment plans.”
Households can also get help from free and impartial debt advice charities like StepChange or their local Citizens Advice Bureau.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
