Benefits and support available in the UK: Support for those on low incomes

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To follow on from my post about benefits available for families earlier this year, I thought I would write about the support available for those on low incomes. To reiterate a point in the previous blog post, I am by no means an expert in this field. I will give a brief overview of the support available here so that you are aware of the options but if you need any further information it will be worth checking out the government website. I will summarise the key points here to raise awareness, but it is important to note that the specifics change regularly.

Universal Credit

Universal credit is designed to help with your living costs and is paid monthly. Those on a low income, out of work or unable to work may be eligible. This can apply even if you are self-employed.

It was brought in to replace a large number of other benefits – child tax credit, housing benefit, income support, jobseekers allowance (JSA), employment and support allowance (ESA) and working tax credit.

To claim it you must live in the UK, be over 18 and under state pension age and have less than £16,000 in money, savings and investments. In certain circumstances you may be able to claim if you are 16 or 17. If you have children, or a disability or health condition, you may be able to claim extra.

There are a number of different factors that will influence exactly what you will get and it is recommended you read through the guidance in full, and potentially use the online calculators. If you are eligible, it will be paid on a monthly basis.

Housing support

While housing benefit is now being rolled into universal credit, it may be possible to claim it on it’s own still. This would apply if you are over the state pension age and in suppported, sheltered or temporary housing.

If you are in a property you own repaying a mortgage you may be eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest. This is paid in the form of a loan and you must be getting a qualifying benefit to be eligible.

It is also possible to get a reduction on your council tax bill. If you are on a low income or claim benefits, you may be able to claim and this applies to both renters and homeowners and those who are working and unemployed. The exact reduction will depend on your specific circumstances. It is also important to note that, separate to this, you can get a council tax reduction if you are living on your own as the council tax bill is based on two adults living in the property.

If you’re over state pension age and on a low income, you can get Pension Credit to help you out with housing costs such as ground rent and service charges. If you’re a carer, severely disabled or responsible for a child or young person you may get extra. It is possible to get this even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

Heating support

Everyone is likely aware that heating costs have increased significantly over the last couple of years. The Warm Home Discount Scheme allows you to potentially get £150 off your electricity bill for 2023-24. This is paid directly to your electricity supplier and you should get the discount automatically if you are eligble. You will qualify if you are either on a low income with high energy costs, or get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. You can still qualify even if you have a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meter.

The Winter Fuel Payment is available to those born before 25 September 1957. You could get between £250 and £600 to help pay your heating bills. Most people get this automatically if they are eligible.

TV Licence

If you are over 75 and you get Pension Credit you can get a free TV licence. If you are blind or in residential care, you can get it discounted. It is possible to apply for this online.

Cost of living support

If you are struggling to afford things like energy and water bills, food or other essential items, you mave be able to get help from the Household Support Fund. This is aimed at everyone who is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials, and you don’t need to be getting other benefits to claim this. Some councils may offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.

Medical support

You may be able to get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatments, eye tests and other help with medical costs. This is dependent on a number of factors such as your age, income, where you live, any other benefits you get, if you have any medical conditions or if you are pregnant.

Another way you can be supported is to get a prescription prepayment certificate. This will mean you can pay a quarterly or annual fee (£31.25 or £111.60 respectively) and any prescriptions you need during that period are at no extra cost. Prescriptions are currently £9.65 per item, so if you are buying 4 or more in a 3 month period, or 12 or more in 12 months, it may be cheaper to prepay. This can be done online.

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