Money Matters: Some of the extra support and discounts you can get if you claim certain benefits
In this week’s Money Matters column, Wrekin’s debt and energy manger Dan Bebbington shares some of the discounts and offers you can access if you claim certain benefits.
If you’re claiming Universal Credit or certain other means-tested benefits, you could save money on a number of household bills and other outgoings.
To start with, you could get cheaper phone and broadband packages through what are known as ‘social tariffs’. These packages are usually available to anyone claiming means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit and legacy benefits, and start from as little as £10 a month.
If you are eligible for your provider’s social tariff (sometimes called ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ packages), you can switch to it free of charge, and leave whenever you want with no exit fees.
Some providers, like Sky, can also offer you a cheaper phone contract if taken out with a social broadband tariff.
Unfortunately, there are no social tariffs for our energy bills, which are normally our second highest outgoing after housing. Despite this, if you are struggling to pay your bills you should contact your supplier as soon as possible as they may be able to offer discretionary grants or other support.
The next biggest bill for many is council tax, and while they’re not called social tariffs there are discounts available for low-income households. The amount of reduction you could get depends on a whole host of factors including your income and who else lives with you. You’ll need to contact your local council to apply, as schemes vary by area.
As well as money off household bills, there are a number of other discounts and deals you may be able to access depending on your circumstances.
For example, you might be able to get free or discounted prescriptions, eye care and dental care. You can check eligibility for this online, and will need to have earned below a set threshold in your previous assessment period.
Many leisure centres and gyms offer cheaper memberships to people who claim UC and other benefits. This varies by area, but is something to ask about if you already have a membership or are considering signing up.
Meanwhile a number of visitor attractions, including zoos, museums and theatres, also offer discounted entry for UC claimants. Sadly there isn’t much of offer in the West Midlands, but remember to check with individual attractions if you are planning a holiday or day out further afield.
Other organisations including the National Trust offer free or discounted entry tickets for carers, so always check when you’re booking.
You can find more information online about any of the things I’ve mentioned, and as always Wrekin Housing Group customers can contact our Money Matters team for support with anything money-related.
18th September 2024