JANUARY is often a tough month financially as people recover from extra spending over Christmas.
And with many people getting paid earlier in December because of the bank holidays, you may need to make your money last even longer than usual.
If you get Universal Credit, it’s worth making sure you claim everything you’re entitled to, as the difference can be worth thousands of pounds.
As a first step, use this calculator on Entitled To to make sure your benefit award is correct.
If the calculator comes up with a significantly different number, this could mean there are elements you should be getting but aren’t.
There are also several extra discounts or bonuses that you can get if you’re on Universal Credit, and if you qualified for all of them, you’d get a massive £8,309.42 boost in January.
We’ve rounded up the main ones you need to know about…
The Household Support Fund helps low-income households facing financial difficulties.
The government has allocated £421 million to local councils and unitary authorities in England to support residents with essential costs.
Eligibility criteria, types of assistance, and maximum payments vary by council. For example, Camden offers up to £500, while other councils provide support such as food vouchers or free school meals during holidays.
To learn about the options in your area, reach out to your local authority.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) – save £518 on average:
These offer financial help for rent or housing costs if you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
The payments can cover rent shortfalls, deposits, or advance rent when moving.
The amount you can get depends on your financial situation and council rules, with an average award of £518 in early 2024.
Welfare Assistance schemes – up to £500:
This is emergency aid for low-income households, often tied to benefits like Universal Credit.
Support varies by council and by the emergency you’re facing. For example, Merton Council offers up to £500 for essentials but has different rules for emergency payments.
Council tax discount – save up to £1628.25:
If you’re on Universal Credit, you could be eligible for a discount on your council tax bill worth up to 75%.
How much you could save depends on your total income (including some benefits), whether you live alone, if anyone in your home has a disability and whether you have children.
In some really tough financial situations, you might even have your whole bill covered.
If you get a 75% discount on a typical Band D property, you will save around £1,628.25.
Energy bill discounts – save up to £1,700:
Most energy companies provide grants for people who are having trouble paying their bills.
The amount of help you can receive varies depending on your energy provider, but the British Gas Energy Fund offers to pay off debts of up to £1,700, so the amounts are significant.
Warm Homes Discount – save £150:
This is a £150 credit applied to energy bills for eligible households on Universal Credit.
For most energy suppliers, you should automatically qualify, but not all energy companies are signed up. Check with yours if you’re not sure.
Cheap broadband – save up to £15 a month:
Most broadband providers offer social tariffs including for people on Universal Credit.
You might not get top speeds, but bills can be as low as £14.99 a month including line rental.
Help with water bills:
Most water companies offer social tariffs although they each set their own rules.
For example, Bournemouth Water reduces bills by up to 85%, while other set a flat rate.
Ask your water firm if you aren’t sure what it offers or how to apply.
Free childcare – save up to £1,739.37:
Universal Credit covers up to 85% of childcare costs, capped at £1,014.63 per month for one child and £1,739.37 for two or more.
This can be used for any approved childcare, which can include after school or holiday clubs.
School uniform grants – save up to £200:
Up to £200 is available through local councils, though amounts vary depending on where you live.
For example, Wandsworth in London offers £170, while Sandwell in the West Midlands caps payments at £25.
Some councils don’t offer a grant at all, so check with your local authority to see what’s available.
Healthy Start scheme – save up to £42.50:
This gives you cash to help with the cost of buying food and vitamins for children aged under 4.
Payments range from £4.25 to £8.50 weekly, depending on the child’s age.
In January, you could get up to £42.50.
The money is loaded directly onto the card, and can only be used for things like milk, fruit and vegetables, pulses, and some infant formula.
You can also get pregnancy vitamins to help with your health while pregnant. To qualify, your monthly earned income after tax must be less than £408 a month.
Maternity grant – £500:
This is a £500 payment for first-time parents receiving Universal Credit, claimable up to six months after birth.
Free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye exams – save £141.30 on one annual dentist check up and free prescriptions for a year:
This is available to Universal Credit claimants with a monthly income under £435 (or £935 for those with children or limited work capability).
Savings on dental treatments can reach £319.10 for complex treatments, while prescription savings can be as much as £114.50.
Help to Save – worth £25 in January:
This scheme offers Universal Credit claiming a 50% bonus on their savings, capped at £300 annually, with up to £1,200 in bonuses over four years.
You can only save £50 a month, so the maximum January bonus would be £25.
Flexible Support Fund – save up to £150 on training costs:
This discretionary fund helps Universal Credit claimants with job-related expenses and can cover things such as childcare, travel, and work clothing or uniforms.
There’s no official maximum amount, but it includes up to £150. Apply through JobCentre Plus.
FuneralsFuneral Expenses Payment – up to £1,000 plus help with other expenses:
This covers up to £1,000 for costs like burial, cremation or transport.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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