September will bring new benefits to Ukrainians: 22 ways to save money.

September will bring new benefits to Ukrainians: 22 ways to save money
September will bring new benefits to Ukrainians: 22 ways to save money

According to The Sun: In September, households can learn about over 20 different free services and savings opportunities.

Smart consumers have a chance to receive free products and support that will help save money as winter months approach.

We share information about free things you can get this month

Among the available options are compensation for delayed construction as well as tax refunds.

Details can be found below.

1. Get compensation for delayed flights

According to UK law, airlines are required to provide compensation if your flight is delayed by more than three hours.

If you are flying to or from the UK, the airline must offer you a refund or an alternative flight.

You can apply for a refund directly from the airline or use the free resolver service.

In the past, customers have received up to £520 in compensation.

2. Tax refund for those wearing uniforms at work

HMRC allows you to claim tax relief on certain work uniforms – and if you qualify, you can submit a claim for up to 4 years.

The standard expense amount is £60, but you don't get all of that back.

You only get a portion of the tax paid on that £60 back. For a basic rate taxpayer, this is 20%, which amounts to £12.

So if you apply for the current tax year and the four previous ones, that totals £60.

The form is available at: www.gov.uk/guidance/send-an-income-tax-relief-claim-for-job-expenses-by-post-or-phone.

3. Support for energy costs

Universal Credit recipients or others on benefits may be eligible for a £150 energy discount through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

Most people do not need to apply, as energy suppliers automatically provide the discount if the household meets the criteria.

Check your eligibility at www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.

4. Free school meals

Universal Credit recipients with a household income of up to £7,400 (excluding benefits) can apply for free school meals.

Check your eligibility and apply at www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.

5. Discount on council tax bills

You could save more than £2,000 by checking for a discount on your council tax.

Depending on your income and the composition of your household, you may be entitled to a reduction or even no bill at all.

You need to apply through your local authority's website.

To apply, you will need information about your income, pensions, benefits, and tax credits you receive.

To find your local authority, visit www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.

6. Refund for delayed trains

If your train is delayed by over 15 minutes, you could get up to 100% of your ticket price refunded.

To claim a refund, contact the train company through their Delay Repay scheme.

7. Check your tax code

Check your tax code to avoid overpaying and potentially receive money back.

If your code appears to be incorrect, contact HMRC.

You can quickly get in touch by calling 0300 200 3300.

8. Free childcare

Working families can receive 30 hours of free childcare per week during the school year for children aged from nine months to four years.

Applications should be made via the gov.uk website.

9. Free cost of living support

If you are concerned about living costs in September, you may also receive support through the Household Support Fund.

This £742 million fund is distributed among all councils in England.

Criteria depend on where you live, but assistance is usually provided to those on benefits or with low income.

Households could receive up to £500 to cover rising bills.

10. Check for forgotten bank accounts

If you were born in the UK between 2002 and 2006, it’s worth checking if you have money in a child trust fund.

The government has a free online tool to search for your fund.

You can find this information by searching 'find your child trust fund' on GOV.UK.

11. Get free £100 for switching bank accounts

Switch to a Spend and Save current account at TSB, and you will receive £100 for signing up.

However, you need to activate the app and use your debit card five times by September 22 to receive this reward.

12. Free 10-point car check at Halfords

Get a free car check by signing up for the Halfords loyalty program.

This check usually costs £15 and covers all key aspects, from checking headlights to brake lights.

You can register for free at www.halfords.com/motoring-club/.

13. Check holiday pay

Don’t forget to check if you are owed unpaid holiday pay from previous employers.

You can find out how to reclaim your money from our article here.

14. Free trial of Apple TV

Sign up for the Curry's loyalty program and enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.

After the free period ends, you will have to pay the full price of £9.99 per month.

15. Try your luck at McDonald’s Monopoly to win free money

An annual contest will start on September 10, giving customers a chance to win up to £100k in free money.

This event lasts about six weeks and offers various prizes, including money, vacations and free food.

Check the full list of prizes here.

16. Free boiler upgrade

Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, households can receive grants of up to £7,500 for installing heat pumps.

This will reduce your energy costs by £100-£350 per year and is better for the environment.

To apply for one of the grants, first contact an MCS-certified installer for a quote.

A list of certified installers can be found at msccertified.com.

17. Get a free drink

DUSK is an app that offers users a free drink every day. Previously, it included free pints of Guinness or Gin and Tonic.

This app does not work in all pubs, so you need to look for a bar chosen by Dusk to get a free drink.

However, the bar will always be within your city or town.

18. Check eligibility for long-term illness support

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is paid to people with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities.

There are two components to the payments: daily living assistance for those who need support with everyday tasks, and mobility assistance for those who need help moving around.

Payments can reach up to £187.45 per week, so if you haven’t applied yet, check your eligibility.

You can apply for PIP by phone by calling the helpline at 0800 917 2222.

19. Free events

In the UK, various free events are available, regardless of your status.

For example, the National Railway Museum in York is open for free to everyone.

The Sky Garden also offers stunning views of London for free.

Free tickets can be booked online at: tickets.skygarden.london/WebStore/shop/viewitems.aspx?cg=SkyGarden&c=Tickets

20. Save your sunscreen

As summer ends, it’s important to save your sunscreen.

On the back of the bottle, you will find a PAO number indicating how long the cream will serve you after opening.

PAO means period after opening and is usually marked with an open jar symbol on the packaging. Inside the symbol, a number is indicated, for example, 12 months, which shows how long the product will remain effective after opening.

21. Use the benefits calculator to check financial support

You may have missed benefits you are entitled to, and the calculator can help determine what support you may get.

For example, the free Entitledto calculator helps estimate your eligibility for various benefits, tax credits, and Universal Credit.

Data from Entitledto are also used in benefit controllers from MoneySavingExpert.com and the charity StepChange.

The Policy in Practice calculator helps not only identify which benefits you might receive but also calculate how much money you will have left each month after covering housing costs.

22. Get support with child expenses

Everyone responsible for raising a child under 16 or up to 20 years if they are in education may be eligible for assistance.

This payment helps parents cover childcare costs.

It is paid twice a week: £26.05 for your eldest or only child and £17.25 for other children.

You can apply for assistance at www.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim.

What help is available for parents?

CHILDCARE can be an expensive affair. Here’s how to get support.

  • 30 hours of free childcare – Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours of free childcare per week.To qualify, you usually need to work a minimum of 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage or earn less than £100,000 a year.
  • Tax credits – For children up to 20 years old, some families may receive assistance with childcare costs.
  • Childcare vouchers – If your employer offers childcare vouchers, you could save up to £55 a week thanks to tax and national insurance exemptions.You will pay for childcare before tax deductions.
  • Free childcare – Available for working families and self-employed individuals: for every £8 you contribute, the government adds another £2.
In September, British citizens have the opportunity to make use of free services and benefits that can significantly help reduce expenses. Among the available options are compensation for delayed flights, tax refunds, energy cost support, free school meals, and discounts on council taxes. These measures can provide crucial support for many families during difficult financial times, especially amid rising housing and energy prices.

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