Deals of the week: deals and discounts if you're on universal credit

If you're on universal credit, there’s a whole range of extra deals and discounts available that could save you hundreds of pounds a year – from help with heating bills to discounts on glasses and eye tests.

Cheaper broadband, mobile and water

Save: up to £234 a year on broadband, around £200 on mobile and a possible 50% on water

Many providers offer social tariffs – cheaper packages for people on low incomes.

• Broadband: BT, Virgin Media, Sky and others offer packages from around £12-£20 a month (vs £30+ for standard deals).
• Mobile: VOXI, SMARTY and others have low-cost plans starting at £10 a month.
• Water: Most water companies have social tariffs that could cut your bill by hundreds a year.

Check with each provider – you'll usually need to show proof you're on universal credit.

Free school meals

Save: £500+ a year per child

In England, kids get free dinners during their first three years at state schools, no matter what the family earns. But if you're on universal credit and earn less than £7,400 a year (after tax and before benefits), your older children may qualify for free school meals, too. That could save you over £500 a year per child, and in some areas, your child might also get free breakfasts, or meal vouchers during school holidays.

School uniform grant

Save: up to £200 per child

Some councils offer help with the cost of school uniforms to families on universal credit. The support varies by area – some offer cash, others give vouchers. In some cases, you could get up to £200. Search your council’s website for ‘school uniform grant’ to see what’s available near you.

Council tax reduction

Save: up to 100% off your bill

If you’re on universal credit, you might qualify for a council tax reduction. Depending on your circumstances, you could get a partial or full discount, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds a year. Apply directly through your local council.

Free prescriptions

Save: £9.90 per prescription

You can get free prescriptions if the take-home pay for your household in your last universal credit assessment period was:

• £435 or less
• £935 or less if your universal credit includes a payment for a child, or you have a limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work-related activity

If you claim universal credit as a couple, the take-home pay limit applies to your joint income.

If your working hours and income change it’s important to regularly check if you are entitled.

The last assessment period is the one that ended immediately before the date you claim help with health costs. It runs for a calendar month.

If you qualify, you’ll also get:

• free NHS dental treatment
• free NHS sight tests
• free NHS wigs and fabric supports
• help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses
• refunds of necessary travel costs to receive NHS treatment

Show your universal credit award notice to prove you qualify.

Help to save account

Get: Up to £1,200 free from the government over 4 years

If you’re on universal credit, you can open a help to save account. For every £1 you save, the government adds 50p – up to £1,200 over four years. It’s a great way to build a small emergency fund.

Flexible support fund

Get: help with travel, childcare, interview clothes and more

Run by Jobcentre Plus, the flexible support fund can help cover the costs of finding or starting work – like interview clothes, childcare or travel. There’s no set amount, and what you can get depends on your local jobcentre. Speak to your work coach to find out more.

Sure Start maternity grant

Get: £500

On universal credit and expecting your first child (or a multiple birth and have children already)? You could get a £500 tax-free grant. You can apply up to 11 weeks before the baby’s due date or up to 6 months after the birth.

Healthy start vouchers

Get: £4.25 - £8.50 a week per child for fruit, veg, milk and vitamins

If you're pregnant or have children under four and you’re on universal credit (with an income under £408/month), you may qualify for healthy start vouchers. These can be used for milk, fresh or frozen fruit and veg, formula and vitamins.

Childcare support

Get: Up to 85% of childcare costs back

If you're working and on universal credit, you can claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs, worth up to £1,031.88 a month for one child, or £1,768.94 for two or more.

Warm home discount scheme

Save: £150 off your energy bill

If you're on universal credit, you could get £150 off your electricity bill this winter through the warm home discount scheme. The money will be knocked off your bill automatically if you're eligible – no need to apply in most cases.