£646 of freebies and discounts for people on Universal Credit in September

Thousands of people up and down the country claim Universal Credit, the DWP's catch-all benefit, which is slowly replacing various other benefits supporting people on low incomes as well as some health-related issues. Universal Credit is not just for those out of work, but is also available to many working full time on low salaries as a means to top up income.

While Universal Credit is due for some changes in the Government's upcoming welfare reforms, it is very much staying in place and in fact the base rate it pays to claimants is set to increase each year. But the benefit doesn't stop there, and many may not realise that Universal Credit can be a gateway to as much as £646.10 of freebies and discounts you can receive in September alone, or £4,128 across a year.

Council Tax discount - up to £1,710 a year, or £171 per month

Those on Universal Credit are eligible to claim up to 75% off their Council Tax bill. The exact amount depends on various factors such as your income, whether you live alone, have children or have a disability.

The average Band D council tax bill for properties in England in the 2025-26 tax year which began on April 6, 2025, is £2,280 according to The Times.

A 75% discount on that would be worth £1,710. Per month, that would be £171 (as council tax is normally billed in 10 monthly instalments, not 12).

Household Support Fund - up to £300 single payment, or more

The Household Support Fund is a pot of cash made available to households via local councils, but funded by the DWP.

The scheme has been renewed for 2025 from April. It can take many forms, as each local authority decides what to do with the money it receives from the DWP and how best to hand it out. For example, some local councils will give out shopping vouchers to help low income households buy food. Others will give energy bill credits, or cash payments. This is a single payment, rather than recurring monthly.

This payment is listed as 'up to £300 or more' because every council pays Household Support Fund at a different rate. The amount varies hugely depending on where you live, and what you're eligible for. Because it's run by each individual council, every authority has its own rules about who can get the money. You don't necessarily need to be on Universal Credit but some local councils do stipulate that they will only give the cash to those on the benefit or another equivalent benefit.

As an example, Calderdale Council is offering £85 in September to households with children or with disabilities. Those who receive a Council Tax reduction can also get the money. Doncaster Council is offering £300 to households with three or more dependent children, and this can be applied for between April 1 2025 and February 26, 2026. Check your local council to see how much you could be paid.

Energy bill discounts - £2,000, or £166 per month

British Gas as well as Octopus Energy and other firms offer schemes open to those on Universal Credit and other low income benefits like Pension Credit.

If you're struggling to pay your bills or have run up a relatively high amount of energy debt, schemes like the British Gas Energy Trust's Individual and Families Fund and the British Gas Energy Support Fund can write off anywhere between £50 and £2,000 of debt on gas and electricity bills.

There are several eligibility criteria: you must have received advice from a money advice agency before you can apply and you must be using the money to clear debt on your own property with an open account, as well as some other caveats.

Other energy firms also offer their own versions of similar schemes so it's worth checking directly with your supplier.

Averaged out across a year, that would equal £166 of support for bills per month.

Free prescriptions - £118 per year, £9.90 per month

If you're claiming Universal Credit and you earn less than a specified threshold - £435 per assessment period - you could be eligible for the NHS Help with Health Costs scheme, which includes free prescriptions worth £118 per year, or £9.90 per month on current prescription charge rates.

Taken altogether, someone on Universal Credit able to claim each element of these freebies and discounts would be £4,028 per year better off, or £546 per month (£9.10 plus £166 plus £171 plus £200).