Families can receive over £40,000 in support: how to get the money.

According to The Sun: The cost of living crisis continues, and as the cold weather approaches, many families are starting to worry about their finances.

However, there is a chance to receive thousands of pounds in free assistance that may be available to you.

For low-income families, total support can be up to £41,742 a year, which will significantly impact their financial situation.

The key is knowing what to look for and where to apply.

Universal Credit – receive up to £1,700 a month

The main assistance for low-income families is Universal Credit – a monthly payment for those who are unemployed or have low incomes.

Your payment amount consists of various 'elements' depending on your circumstances.

A couple, both over the age of 25, receives a standard payment of £628.10 a month.

Additionally, you may receive extra funds for children: £292.81 for a second child and the same amount for the first child if born on or after April 6, 2017.

If you have a disabled child, you can also receive significant additional support – up to £495.87 a month.

Childcare support – receive up to £1,769 a month

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

Funds are paid out after submitting proof of payments monthly.

There are often delays, so it is important to budget wisely or check with providers whether they will accept late payments.

You can apply through your UC account.

Free childcare hours – receive £625 a month

This month, working families can get up to 30 free hours of childcare for children aged between nine months and four years.

This will save families an average of £7,500 a year.

To qualify for support, you must meet the following conditions:

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

Motherhood grant – receive £1,000

The motherhood grant is a scheme offering a one-off payment to those expecting their first child or having multiple births, such as twins.

This money is intended to cover the costs of caring for a newborn, and you can receive up to £500.

If you are expecting twins, you can receive more than £500.

For example, parents expecting triplets and already have one child will receive £1,000.

To qualify for support, you or your partner must be receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Income Support.

Child Tax Credit – receive up to £627 a month

The government is gradually phasing out tax credits and transitioning people to Universal Credit, but if you are still receiving child tax credit, it is worth knowing your rights.

Child Tax Credit provides financial support for families. For the 2025/26 financial year, the child element is up to £3,455 a year.

Free school meals – save thousands a year

To access free school meals, you need to apply through your local council.

Children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 automatically receive meals, but parents of older children or those in these classes must apply for the school to receive additional funding.

You need to be receiving qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit with low income, Income Support, or Job Seekers Allowance.

School uniform grants – receive up to £200 per child

If you are struggling to cover costs for the new school year, there are several ways to obtain help.

If you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you can apply for a school uniform grant of up to £200 through your local council.

The amount and qualification vary depending on where you live. In Wales, all councils offer a £200 grant to eligible students.

Healthy Start scheme – receive up to £442 a year

The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families with young children.

Free financial support can be used on food, including fruits, vegetables, and milk.

The scheme provides weekly support of £4.25 for pregnant women, £8.50 during the first year of the child's life, and £4.25 a week for children aged one to four years.

It is always worth checking if you can apply, as the support can be up to £442 a year per child.

Qualification depends on income and eligibility for benefits, which are checked against income criteria such as Universal Credit.

Council tax support – save up to £2,280 a year

If you have a low income, you may qualify for a discount on your council tax.

Your eligibility depends on where you live, as only some councils offer discounts.

Some local authorities may provide a 100% discount, meaning you will not have to pay anything.

To apply, visit your council's website.

Help with water bills – reduce bills by up to £480

Water supply companies also offer social tariffs or discounts for those on Universal Credit and other benefits.

Schemes may vary depending on the supplier, and discounts may depend on water usage.

You may be able to save hundreds of pounds.

Help with energy bills – receive grants up to £2,000

Some energy companies provide grants of up to £2,000 for those struggling with bills.

These include British Gas and EDF.

Reduced mobile phone and internet tariffs – save up to £200 a year

You can get social tariffs on your mobile and internet service contracts if you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit.

These 'social' or 'basic' tariffs offer the same services as regular packages but at a significantly lower price.

How to access grants for low-income families

The charity Turn2us has a tool on its website that allows you to check if you are eligible for any free grants.

You just need to spend a few minutes answering questions, and the tool will compile information about suitable grants.

Household Support Fund – up to £500

Councils offer emergency assistance for essential items such as food, appliances, and energy payments.

The Household Support Fund runs until March 2026, but rules and payments may vary.

Warm Home Discount Scheme – £150 discount on energy bills

Low-income families can receive a £150 discount on their electricity bills during winter.

In most cases, you do not need to apply as energy suppliers automatically apply the discount for qualifying households.

Free prescriptions, dental treatment, and check-ups

Many on Universal Credit receive free prescriptions, dental services, and check-ups.

This can save around £10 for a prescription and £25.80 for a dental check-up, and savings quickly add up.

To qualify, you should meet the following criteria:

• You earn less than £435 a month
• or your household earns less than £935 a month and has a child or limited capacity

Free or discounted travel

Jobcentre Plus offers travel discount cards of up to 50% on rail fares.

These are available to job seekers receiving UC or JSA for at least 13 weeks.

Now, as many families face hardship due to rising prices, it is essential to be aware of all options for financial support. Understanding the various programs and subsidies can significantly ease the financial burden and ensure a comfortable winter. Don’t miss the opportunity to receive the support you are entitled to.