Universal Credit freebies and discounts could see Britons pocket extra £4,300 this summer

Universal Credit payments to be slashed, Rachel Reeves announces
GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 28/06/2025

- 11:44

Benefits span essential services, healthcare costs, and leisure activities.

Universal Credit recipients could access up to £4,300 worth of financial support and discounts this summer through various schemes and special offers.

The monthly benefit payment, which provides at least £316.98 to unemployed and low-paid individuals, serves as a gateway to numerous additional forms of assistance.


The extended Household Support Fund, now running until March 2026, distributes £742 million across English councils to assist struggling households.

Local authorities are offering direct payments ranging from £100 to £500, depending on individual circumstances and location.

Money

Universal Credit recipients could access up to £4,300 worth of financial support and discounts this summer

GB NEWS

Beyond cash support, claimants can access substantial savings on essential services, healthcare costs, and leisure activities.

These benefits span from discounted broadband and mobile contracts to free prescriptions and reduced-price attractions across the UK.

Ribble Valley Borough Council provides food vouchers worth £200 to £500 for households earning under £35,000 annually.

Hartlepool Borough Council offers £100 food vouchers to families with children aged two-19 who qualify for free school meals.

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School meal

Hartlepool Borough Council offers £100 food vouchers to families with children aged two-19 who qualify for free school meals

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The City of Doncaster Council awards one-off payments between £100 and £300 to Universal Credit recipients.

The Help to Save scheme enables eligible claimants to receive a 50 per month bonus on savings of up to £50 per month, potentially yielding £2,400 over four years.

Council tax support can eliminate bills entirely in some areas, with savings reaching £4,323.52 in Greenwich.

Energy suppliers offer hardship grants of up to £2,000, with British Gas providing this maximum amount through its Gas Energy Support Fund; however, applications are currently closed.

British Gas van

British Gas provided the maximum amount through its Gas Energy Support Fund

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Water bill reductions through social tariffs can save up to £173 annually, with suppliers like Affinity Water offering fixed rates as low as £95.80 for qualifying customers.

Free NHS prescriptions save £9.90 per item, potentially £119 yearly for monthly prescriptions, alongside complimentary dental checks and eye tests.

Broadband social tariffs start at £12.50 monthly, saving £137.88 annually compared to standard rates.

Mobile deals like Voxi For Now offer unlimited data for £10 monthly, creating £150 savings over six months.

broadband router pictured with two ethernet cables plugged in

Broadband social tariffs start at £12.50 monthly

GETTY IMAGES | GBN

Expectant mothers can claim a £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant for first children.

Job seekers access 50 per cent rail discounts through Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount cards and up to £150 for training costs.

Leisure centres offer concessionary gym memberships from £5 monthly, with Better Health memberships saving £336 annually.