Families on Universal Credit receive thousands of pounds in support: 20 ways to save.

According to The Sun: Families receiving Universal Credit may miss out on thousands of pounds in additional financial support, including free entertainment days during holidays.

Amid rising costs before Christmas and the increasing cost of living, it's important to take advantage of all available benefits.

Many of these programs do not require repayment, yet millions of people have not taken advantage of them.

In total, the amount of support can exceed £17,000 a year if a person meets all the requirements.

Here’s an overview of the biggest saving opportunities available in October, including who can receive them, how much they are worth, and how to apply.

1. Free or £1 holiday activities

Keeping the kids entertained during the holidays can be quite expensive. If you are receiving Universal Credit, free activities and entertainment for children are waiting for you.

• National Gallery, Somerset House, freeVisit the website and select “Universal Credit and Pension Credit recipients” from the discount list.
• Family workshop at the Foundling Museum, London, freeEmail [email protected] or call 020 7841 3595, indicating you receive Universal Credit, and collect your “Golden Ticket”.
• Kiln Theatre, London, freeTo receive a ticket, email [email protected], providing valid ID or benefits documents.
• Little Angel Theatre, London, freeFree tickets for selected shows. Sign up for the Puppets for All scheme here.
• Kew Gardens, London, £1Book online or buy at the entrance, you need a benefits document.
• Horniman Museum and Gardens Aquarium and Butterfly House, London, £1The number of tickets for Universal Credit holders is limited. Visitors can purchase up to four tickets per attraction for £1, proof and documentation is required.
• Royal Palace Gallery, London, £1Up to six tickets can be obtained for £1 per household with relevant documents.
• Edinburgh Zoo, £1The zoo offers discounted tickets for up to six people for families receiving Universal Credit. Proof of payments from the previous month is required.
• Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, £1Up to six people can visit for free, but booking in advance is essential.
• Eden Project, Cornwall, £1: The centre in Bodelva offers tickets for £1. They can only be purchased online.

2. Household support fund – up to £500

Local authorities provide assistance to families in difficult situations to cover basic needs such as food, appliances, energy bills.

The fund is active until March 2026, but funds are provided by local authorities.

Thus, the amounts and qualification criteria may vary.

For example, Brent council offers up to £500, Doncaster – from £100 to £300, and Ribble Valley – from £200 to £500 in the form of food vouchers.

Check your local council's website for what is available.

3. Energy bill discount – £150

Low-income households can receive a £150 discount on winter electricity bills from October to March.

Most people do not have to apply, as suppliers automatically reduce the bill if the household meets the criteria.

You can check your eligibility for the discount on the government website.

4. Cheap internet and mobile tariffs – save £196 per year

Social tariffs are available for low-income individuals.

These discounts will help those who cannot afford high bills.

Virgin Media offers a package for £12.50 a month, BT Home Essentials – £15 a month, and Voxi provides unlimited data for £10 a month.

The average bill now stands at £26.39, so switching to a social tariff could save about £196 a year.

5. Free school meals – save £503.50 per child

Families receiving Universal Credit with an income of less than £7,400 a year can apply for free school meals.

The average cost of a school meal is £2.65, meaning families can save £503.50 a year for each child.

In Scotland, children in primary 1-5 receive free meals regardless of income.

Check your eligibility on the government website.

6. Local tax discounts – up to £2,280

Low-income households receiving Universal Credit may receive up to 100% discount on local taxes.

Latest data shows that the average bill for bands B and D is £2,280, which is significant savings for families.

However, the size of the discount depends on the location.

Some councils, such as Manchester, cover the full amount, while others, like Bristol, reduce it only by 90%.

7. Help with water bills – £483

Water companies offer special discounts for households receiving benefits.

For example, Affinity Water caps bills at £119.50 a year.

The average annual bill is £603, so switching to a reduced rate can save around £483.

United Utilities also offers a 50% discount for certain categories.

Check with your provider what discounts are available.

8. Energy grants – up to £1,500

Several suppliers provide grants to cover debts or bills for energy.

British Gas Energy Trust offers up to £1,500, even if the applicant is not their customer.

To apply, visit britishgasenergytrust.org.uk.

E.ON Next also helps with appliance maintenance. Visit eonenergy.com.

You usually need to provide proof of income and describe your situation.

These grants do not require repayment.

9. Free prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests

Universal Credit recipients can receive free prescriptions, NHS dental care, and eye tests.

This can save approximately £10 per prescription and £25.80 per dental check-up, and these savings quickly add up.

You are entitled to free services if:

• Single and earning less than £435 a month
• Or your household earns less than £935 a month and has a specified child in benefits or limited work capabilities

These savings can be substantial:

• NHS prescriptions in England cost £9.90 each
• A standard NHS dental check-up costs £25.80

10. Help to Save scheme – get £300 a year

The government provides a 50% bonus on savings through a Help to Save account.

You can save from £1 to £50 a month, and after two years, you will receive a bonus of half your highest savings balance.

You can continue to save for up to four years, receiving a total maximum bonus of £1,200 if you save the maximum amount monthly.

• Payments can be paused and resumed without penalty
• You can withdraw funds if needed, but this may reduce your bonus

Apply at gov.uk/help-to-save.

11. Grants for school uniforms – up to £200

Several councils provide grants to assist with school uniform costs.

Grants are often paid in the form of vouchers or reimbursements.

Amounts vary by region, for instance:

• City of London: £160 for secondary school pupils. Apply at cityoflondon.gov.uk
• Sefton council: £45 for primary and £70 for secondary school. See sefton.gov.uk
• Wales: The Pupil Development Grant offers £200 for qualifying families. More information at gov.wales

Deadline restrictions and application processes may vary, so check with your local authority.

12. Free or discounted travel

Jobcentre Plus issues a travel discount card, which offers up to 50% off train fares.

Unemployed individuals receiving UC or JSA for at least 13 weeks (or longer depending on age) can obtain it.

Other discounts are available for students and youth, such as the 16-17 Saver card, which can be obtained at 16-17saver.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can get a Student Oyster card in London, which provides a 30% discount on travel and bus fares in the city.

13. Flexible support fund

This is additional funding from Jobcentres to help people return to work.

It can cover costs for uniforms, travel to interviews, or even childcare. Amounts are dependent on individual needs.

You may receive:

• Up to £150 for tools, uniforms, or work clothing
• Travel expenses for interviews or training
• Temporary assistance with childcare

For example, one applicant in Leeds received £120 for travel expenses to interviews.

To apply, contact your advisor directly, who can authorize support.

14. Maternity grants – £500

Parents expecting their first child can receive a one-off £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant.

This amount is non-repayable and will not affect other benefits.

You will receive £500 if:

• This is your first child
• You are expecting twins or more and already have children

Applications are open from 11 weeks before the due date until 6 months after birth.

You must be receiving Universal Credit and not receiving any other maternity payments.

Download form SF100 at gov.uk and send it by post.

15. Healthy Start Vouchers – worth £442 per year

Pregnant women and parents of children under four who receive UC can obtain prepaid cards to buy healthy food and milk.

The cost is £4.25 per week for pregnant women, £8.50 for infants under one year, and £4.25 for children aged one to four.

This adds up to £442 in the first year of the child's life and about £221 per year thereafter.

Your qualification is determined if you receive Universal Credit with an income of less than £408 per month. Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk.

16. Funeral support – up to £1,000

Families arranging a funeral and receiving Universal Credit can receive up to £1,000 to cover costs, plus assistance with burial or cremation expenses.

Payment is usually made directly to the funeral director.

You can receive up to £1,000 for:

• Flowers
• Funeral director expenses
• Travel expenses

Burial or cremation costs may also be covered separately.

The size of the assistance depends on your relationship with the deceased and other contributions (e.g., insurance).

To apply, call the support service at 0800 151 2012.

17. Legal aid

Those receiving UC may qualify for legal aid in cases of domestic violence, housing disputes, or immigration issues.

Qualification is determined on an individual basis, but it can cover representation costs.

You may need to contribute to costs based on income or assets. Check eligibility at www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid.

18. Childcare assistance – up to £1,769 a month

Working parents receiving UC can claim back 85% of their childcare costs, which amounts to up to £1,769 a month for two or more children.

Funds are paid after submitting confirmation of monthly costs.

There may be delays, so it’s important to budget or ask providers if they will accept delayed payments.

Apply through your UC account.

19. Free childcare hours – worth £7,500

Working families can receive up to 30 free hours of childcare for children aged from nine months to four years.

This saves families around £7,500 a year on average.

To be eligible:

• Both parents must work (or one in a single-parent household)
• You must earn at least £183 a week and less than £100,000 a year

The government states that this will allow families to save on average £7,500 a year.

20. Glasses and eye tests – save £233

Universal Credit recipients can get free eye checks every two years and vouchers worth up to £233 for glasses or lenses depending on prescription strength.

Some opticians automatically apply the discount if you show a letter about UC benefits.

The benefit of these incentives can significantly ease the financial strain for families who earn well but face financial difficulties. Many programs are currently available, and it is crucial to check your eligibility to maximize the assistance provided. The availability of different benefits indicates that the government is striving to provide support for vulnerable populations.