Ukrainians on Universal Credit: 13 Ways to Get Financial Support up to £7,205.

According to The Sun: As Christmas approaches, households receiving Universal Credit may receive financial support of up to £7,205 to make the festive season easier and help with other expenses.

There are many programs and funds that provide free childcare, school uniform grants, help with utility bills, and cash bonuses to ease the financial burden.

Whether you need help with daily expenses, housing, or even funeral costs, these options can be a real lifeline in tough times.

Free Childcare – up to £1,768 per month

If you work and receive Universal Credit, you may be eligible for coverage of up to 85% of childcare costs.

This can amount to up to £1,031.88 per month for one child and £1,768.94 per month for two or more children.

It doesn't matter how many hours you work, but if you have a partner, both must work in order to qualify for this support.

Generally, you need to pay childcare expenses upfront and then claim these costs back, but in the case of a new job or increased hours, you can request an advance.

Additionally, if you cannot pay upfront, there is a possibility of getting help with initial expenses.

Energy Bill Grants – up to £1,700

Most energy suppliers offer grants up to £1,700 to help low-income families pay off energy debts.

These grants are available from companies such as British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Octopus, Ovo Energy, and Scottish Power.

The British Gas Assistance Fund is open to everyone, not just its customers.

To qualify for a grant, you must have an energy debt from £50 to £1,700.

Funeral Expenses Help – up to £1,000

Universal Credit recipients may receive a Funeral Expenses Payment to cover the costs of a partner's funeral, stillborn child, or a child under 16 years (or up to 20 years if in education).

This payment can cover:

• Burial or cremation fees
• Travel expenses for arranging or attending the funeral
• Transportation of the body within the UK (over 50 miles)
• Death certificates or necessary documents

Additionally, you can receive up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses, such as funeral director fees, flowers, or coffin.

Extra Housing Support – £518

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are intended to provide financial support for rent or housing costs.

You can apply if you receive housing assistance or the housing element of Universal Credit.

DHP can help with:

• Shortfalls in rent
• Rental deposits
• Rent in advance when moving to a new home

The amount you receive will depend on your financial situation and your local council's rules. The average DHP amount in 2024 will be £518.

Household Support Fund – up to £500

The Household Support Fund (HSF) helps individuals facing cost-of-living issues by providing cash grants or supermarket vouchers.

Funding is provided to local councils, which decide how to distribute it based on community needs.

Each council sets its own rules, so support amounts may vary, but some households have received up to £500.

Sure Start Maternity Grant – £500

You may receive a one-time payment of £500 for expenses related to childbirth, known as the Sure Start grant.

In Scotland, this grant is not available, but you can apply for a pregnancy and baby payment.

You may qualify if:

• This is your first child or you are expecting two or more children, having already had children.
• You or your partner receive certain benefits.

The application must be made within 11 weeks of the birth or within six months after the birth.

The grant does not need to be repaid and will not affect your other social assistance.

Emergency Assistance Scheme – up to £500

Local emergency assistance supports low-income individuals in financial emergencies.

It is managed by local councils, and to participate, you usually need to be receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit.

The type and amount of assistance depend on your circumstances and your council's rules.

For example, Merton Council offers up to £500 for essential household items.

School Uniform Grants – up to £200

Some councils offer grants for school uniforms for low-income families.

Sun Money asked all 215 councils in the UK that provide similar grants for the upcoming school year.

In England, only 30 out of 153 councils offer grants ranging from £25 to £200.

Only two councils – Brent in London and Norfolk – provide the maximum grant of £200.

At the same time, Sandwell Council offers the smallest grant of £25.

Most families must be receiving benefits like Universal Credit, and their child must be eligible for free school meals.

However, some councils have imposed additional requirements to qualify for the grant.

Bank Switch Bonuses – £175

First Direct offers £175 to new customers who open their 1st Account with no monthly fees and many benefits.

This account is particularly advantageous for travelers, as it allows fee-free spending abroad at competitive rates.

In addition to the cash bonus, the account provides access to a regular savings account with a 7% interest rate.

To receive the £175 bonus, you must not have previously had a First Direct account and must not have opened an HSBC account since January 2018.

Warm Home Discount – £150

Millions of households will begin receiving letters about Warm Home Discounts starting in October.

To qualify for the discount, you must be receiving one of seven qualifying benefits as of August 24.

• Guaranteed credit part of Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit Savings

If you have not received any of these benefits by August 24, 2025, you will not be eligible for the payment.

Households in England and Wales do not need to apply for the discount; it will be provided automatically.

In Scotland, you may need to apply for the warm home discount.

Scotland has a 'core group' that will receive automatic payments, while a 'wider group' must apply for the program through their energy supplier.

For detailed information about eligibility and how to apply, check with your energy supplier.

Flexible Support Fund – £150

This fund supports Universal Credit recipients with work-related costs such as childcare, travel, or work clothing.

You can receive up to £150 for training, while other expenses are assessed individually.

There is no fixed maximum limit, and applications are submitted through your JobCentre.

Healthy Start Help – £34

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you may receive support for purchasing healthy food and milk.

You can use your card to purchase:

• Normal liquid cow's milk
• Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
• Fresh, dried, or canned beans
• Infant formula made from cow's milk

Your card can also be used to obtain:

• Vitamins for pregnant women and those breastfeeding
• Vitamin drops for children from birth to age 4

Payments consist of:

• £4.25 per week during pregnancy (from the 10th week)
• £8.50 per week until the child is one year old
• £4.25 per week for children aged one to four years

To qualify, your household income must be less than £408 per month.

DWP Christmas Bonus – £10

People receiving certain benefits may get a Christmas bonus before the holidays.

This one-time cash assistance will be sent to households during the first full week of December.

This year, December 1 falls on a Monday, so you should receive the payment within the first seven days of the month.

The bonus is only £10, but it is worth considering as it can cover several essential expenses.

This bonus was first introduced in 1972 and has not changed since.

Everyone eligible for the bonus does not need to apply - the payment will be made automatically.

In times of rising costs during the holiday season, these financial programs can significantly ease the lives of many families in need of support. It is important to know about all available options to take advantage of them in a timely manner.

Local authorities and various funds actively support programs that will help low-income households celebrate the holidays with less stress, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.