The whole maze of government benefits plus available grants and other funding can seem complex and as a result many people miss out on the assistance that may be available to them. Those receiving Universal Credit are no different, so this article aims to give an overview of some of the help that may be available to people of working age who are in receipt of this government support.
The majority of financial assistance listed here is intended to help those facing potential hardship, while other grant help has the intention of helping households reduce their energy demand in an attempt to keep bills down and prevent potential issues with fuel poverty.
Here are some of the grants and help that may be available to those receiving Universal Credit…
Universal Credit Advances
During the initial Universal Credit application process, it may be possible to get an advance on your first UC payment. This may be in circumstances where you need to pay bills or other essential costs. While they are not grants, the advance does need to be paid back within 24 months (usually via monthly payments), starting with repayments out of your first Universal Credit payment.
Budgeting Advances
You can get loan offers that can be borrowed interest-free, known as a Budgeting Advance. These offer loans for one-off expenses, such as replacing a broken fridge freezer or even buying a suit for a job interview.Similar to Universal Credit Advance, these will be recouped from future UC payments off. The minimum amount for budgeting advances is £100 and the maximum amounts that can be borrowed are £348 (for those single without children), £464 (for couples without children) and £812 (if you have children).
Hardship Funds
There are periods when you may not be able to meet your essential costs such as rent, heating or food, in which case a hardship payment may be possible. This might occur when you have got a sanction and your Universal Credit payment has been reduced or stopped. These payments are essentially a loan but will still need to be paid back once the sanction ends.
Discretionary Housing Payments
This is financial support to help with rent or housing costs. DHP can cover housing costs including a rent shortfall, rent deposit, or paying rent in advance for those who are moving home. It is applicable to those who get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
Flexible Support Fund
Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is a grant programme aimed at helping job-seekers with the associated costs of finding a new position. FSF payments are intended to help with transport costs for the job interviews and also to purchase new appropriate work clothing. The fund is managed by local Job Centres and is not required to be paid back.
Cold Weather Payments
In the winter season, Cold Weather Payments are made to people receiving certain benefits when the temperature falls to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. Payments of £25 are made for each 7-day period of very cold weather between November and the end of March.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers £150 discounts of energy bills. Eligible people usually get the discount automatically as it is applied to electricity bills by the electricity suppliers. The discount may apply to those who are on a low income who have high energy costs.
Council Tax Reduction
Anyone with limited income may be able to apply for Council Tax Reduction and get a discount on their bill. The local council will identify the level of reduction in your charge depending on your situation. For example, if you are 18 or above, living in a household where everyone’s a full-time student or disabled, you can apply for a council tax discount.
Help with Health Costs
Help with certain medical services and products may be available to those receiving UC benefits. This includes help with NHS prescriptions, medicines, dental services, eye tests, glass and help with some costs of glasses.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is available for expectant mothers who need a one-time payment as a result of the birth of the baby. It’s a one-time payment and comes in handy when preparing for the baby coming. It can be claimed eleven weeks prior to the due date without worrying to pay it back.
Local Welfare Assistance Schemes
These funds may assist you if you are experiencing an urgent financial crisis and trying to maintain an independent life. Funding differs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
ECO4 grants
Universal Credit (UC) is one of the key qualifying benefits for the ECO4 scheme which provides free funding for home energy efficiency improvements. Measures like insulation or heating system upgrades could be fully or part-funded by the scheme to help households reduce their bills and boost their overall living conditions. Eco Grants can help you find out if you are eligible.
Conclusion
Moving through the maze of Universal Credit and additional support can be tough cookie, but there are grants and various types of assistance available to those on Universal Credit who need further assistance. The criteria for this and the methods for applying might not be one-size-fits-all, so it’s better for you to check with the authentic sources like UK government or local authorities for information on grant and funding opportunities.