Universal Credit applicants are also eligible for additional assistance

There are millions of people currently on Universal Credit who could also be eligible for extra help if the cost of living skyrockets – here’s how to check if you’re eligible

Millions of Britons could be entitled to extra help if they have Universal Credit.

Britain is gripped by a dire cost of living crisis, with people being forced to pay more for their groceries and fuel while energy bills have skyrocketed along with payments for water and mobile phones.

The added cost, along with more expensive groceries in stores, means people are struggling to keep up with the costs even if they’re already eligible for Universal Credit benefits.

For now, any extra help could be a vital lifeline for those struggling to keep food on the table, even with a 3.1% increase in Universal Credit payments. Inflation itself hit 7% just last month.

What Additional Rebates and Payments Can People on Universal Credit Receive?

Do I get free school meals?

As the cost of groceries increases, feeding your child can cause you some problems, and one way to save on these costs is with free school meals.

Eligible are people who already have Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Child Tax Credit.

Other Eligible Persons are persons who receive:

• social care
• Income-related unemployment benefit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Assistance under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of the pension balance

• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also eligible for Employment Tax Credit and have a gross annual income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit Run-on – Paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit – if you applied on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and excluding benefits you receive).

The government stated: “If your child is entitled to free school meals, they will remain so until the completion of the school stage (primary or secondary) they are in on 31 March 2023.”

Can I get my council tax reduced?

Those on Universal Credit might be eligible to reduce their council tax.

Those eligible may already be eligible for a discount. Therefore, check your bill and contact the municipality if you are unsure.

If you’re the only adult in your household, you get a 25% discount on your council tax bill. If someone moves out, you should tell the municipality immediately.

If everyone in your household is studying or has a severe intellectual disability, you do not have to pay council tax.

The municipal tax reduction will also be rolled out this month for municipal tax levels A to D – this does not have to be repaid.

Can I get a scholarship if I have a new baby?

Parents with a new baby may be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant, a one-off payment of £500.

This must be claimed within 11 weeks of the child’s due date or before six months of the child’s birth.

The government explained the criteria for this achievement:

• You are expecting your first child or you are expecting multiple births (e.g. twins) and already have children
• You or your partner are already receiving certain benefits

I can’t pay my energy bill, what should I do?

Energy companies are required by law to try to help you pay off your utility bills, so you’ll need to ask them to verify your payment methods.

Some suppliers offer grants, so it is people’s responsibility to contact their suppliers to see what they are entitled to.