Some Discounts And Allowances News

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Discounts And Allowances News

Universal Credit is a benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to assist with living costs. If you have a low income or are unemployed, you might be eligible for Universal Credit. The DWP suggests that these benefits could amount to up to £13,000 per year.

Approximately 5.8 million people in the UK rely on state benefits, but many still find it challenging to cover their expenses. Even if you’re employed, you may still qualify for additional financial support through Universal Credit. 

This support could include free prescriptions and assistance of discounts and allowances news with living expenses. Websites like Turn2us offer tools to help you know if you are eligible for Universal Credit or Pension Credit. This article is all about knowing discounts and allowances news. Let’s start:

Free or cheap broadband

Social tariffs are special broadband plans for people who receive Universal Credit or other financial support. These plans are cheaper than regular monthly rates, making it easier for customers to afford internet service. 

The speed and quality of these plans are usually the same as other home broadband deals. The main difference is the lower monthly cost, and they are not affected by price increases during the contract period.

Free NHS prescriptions

Check if you can get free NHS prescriptions and help with other NHS expenses like eye exams and dental care. The NHS online service will need to know your age, location, and any medical conditions you have. 

There are some items you do not have to pay for, such as birth control and medications given to you if you are staying in the hospital.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount Scheme gives you a single £150 reduction on your electricity bill. If you qualify, your electricity provider will reduce your bill by £150 before 31 March 2024. You would not receive the money directly. The criteria to get this discounts and allowances news vary based on your location.

Cold Weather Payments

If the average temperature where you live drops to zero degrees Celsius or lower for seven days in a row, you will receive a payment. For every seven-day stretch of this cold weather from 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2024, you will get £25.

Water bill help

WaterSure is a program that helps certain people pay less for their water. To join, you need to be getting benefits and use more water than usual, maybe because of health needs or you have many kids in school. You should also have a water meter or be about to get one.

If you are part of WaterSure, they will not charge you more than the usual amount for water in your area, even if you use a lot.

Rent help

If your Housing Benefit does not cover all your rent, you might be able to get extra money from your local council through a program called ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’. Here is how it works:

  • You can earn two tax-free bonuses over four years.
  • Even if you withdraw money, you will still receive any bonuses you have earned.
  • After the first two years, you will get a bonus if you have been saving in your account. This bonus will be 50% of the highest balance you have saved.
  • After four years, you’ll receive a final bonus if you continue saving. This bonus will be 50% of the difference between two amounts.
  • You can pay up to £50 per month into your account, which totals £2,400 over four years.
  • The most you can earn from your savings in four years is £1,200 in bonus money.
  • Your bonus will be paid directly into your bank account, not your Help to Save account.

Energy bill help

Many large energy companies have special funds and grants to help people who are having a hard time. For instance, the British Gas Energy Trust provides assistance worth up to £2,000, and this help is available to anyone, not just their customers, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. 

Other companies like EDF, OVO Energy, Octopus Energy, and Scottish Power also have similar programs. Before you can get this help, you might need to seek advice from a free money help service like Citizens Advice.

Free cash for school uniforms

You can now apply online for Free School Meals, School Uniforms, and PE Clothing for the 2023/24 school year. The application should be filled out by the person who gets benefits, as shown on documents like the Proof of Benefit Letter, Tax Credits Award Notice, or Universal Credit Payments Breakdown. Make sure to list all the kids you are responsible for who will be going to school or college full-time. You cannot change this information later, so include everyone now.

Free school meals

Your child might qualify for free school meals if you receive any of the following:

  • Income Support
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • The Pension Credit guaranteed element
  • Child Tax Credit (as long as you are not also eligible for Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income should not exceed £16,190)
  • If you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit, you’ll still receive it for an additional four weeks.
  • If you applied for Universal Credit on or after April 1, 2018, your household income must be less than £7,400 per year after tax and excluding other benefits.

Children who directly receive these benefits can also get free school meals.

Some Questions

What are DWP benefits and discounts and allowances news?

DWP benefits are financial support programs provided by the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK. They help people with various needs, such as those who are looking for work, temporarily unable to work due to illness, caring for someone, or facing financial difficulties.

How do I apply for DWP benefits?

You can apply online through the official GOV.UK website. Make sure to check your eligibility and provide accurate information.

What if I need help with energy bills or housing costs?

The DWP offers support for low-income households through programs like the Cost of Living Payment and increased housing allowances.

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