If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you could be missing out on thousands of pounds worth of hidden benefits, discounts and vouchers designed to help struggling households across the UK. From the Household Support Fund to Healthy Start Vouchers, there are several government and local council schemes that can help you cover rising living costs this winter.
Here’s a full breakdown of what you could claim right now — and how to make sure you don’t miss out.
1. The Household Support Fund – Worth Up to £500
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is one of the biggest forms of financial help available in England right now. Each local council has been given a share of the government’s £742 million fund to help residents who are struggling with food, energy and essential bills.
Depending on where you live, you could claim up to £500 in direct financial support, usually through supermarket vouchers or energy bill credits.
For example:
Brent Council is offering up to £500 per household.
Reading residents can apply for vouchers worth £125 to £150.
Redbridge will reopen its applications on November 10.
Eligibility criteria vary, but the fund is mainly aimed at people on benefits or low incomes. You can apply directly through your local council’s website — search “Household Support Fund” followed by your council name to find the form.
This scheme won’t last forever, so it’s vital to apply before funding runs out.
2. Warm Home Discount – Save £150 on Energy Bills
With energy prices still high, the Warm Home Discount can make a real difference this winter. The scheme is worth £150, and rather than cash in your account, your energy supplier automatically deducts this from your bill.
Most people receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit will qualify automatically, but it’s worth double-checking with your supplier if you haven’t seen it applied yet.
You don’t need to fill in long forms — but do act fast, because some suppliers close applications once they hit their annual cap.
3. Council Tax Support – Save Up to £2,280
Did you know your entire Council Tax bill could be wiped out if you’re on Universal Credit? The average Band D bill in the UK is now around £2,280, and many councils offer full or partial relief to low-income residents.
Each local authority has its own Council Tax Support scheme, so how much you save depends on where you live:
Manchester City Council can cover up to 100% of your bill.
Bristol City Council currently covers up to 90%.
If you’re struggling to pay, contact your council immediately and ask about Council Tax Support for Universal Credit claimants. Missing out could cost you over £2,000 a year.
4. Healthy Start Vouchers – Worth £442 for New Parents
Families with young children are also entitled to extra support. The Healthy Start scheme helps pregnant women and parents with children under four buy healthy food, milk and vitamins.
You’ll receive a prepaid card that’s topped up weekly:
£4.25 a week if you’re pregnant.
£8.50 a week for babies under one year old.
£4.25 a week for children aged one to four.
That adds up to £442 in a baby’s first year, and around £221 per year after that.
You’re eligible if you’re on Universal Credit and your earnings are below £408 a month. Apply directly through the official NHS website at healthystart.nhs.uk.
How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss Out
Many people don’t realise they’re eligible for these schemes — or they assume they’ll be contacted automatically. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Local councils and government departments rarely cross-check every benefit, so you often have to apply manually.
Here’s what you should do:
Visit your local council website – search for “Household Support Fund” and “Council Tax Support.”
Contact your energy supplier to confirm your Warm Home Discount status.
Apply for Healthy Start Vouchers if you’re pregnant or have children under four.
Keep checking for new support updates – funding changes regularly and is often renewed every few months.
The cost of living crisis is still hitting hard, but there’s help out there if you know where to look. Between the Household Support Fund, Council Tax Support, the Warm Home Discount, and Healthy Start Vouchers, Universal Credit claimants could claim over £3,000 in extra help this year.
Don’t wait for someone to tell you you’re eligible — check, apply, and make sure you get every penny you’re entitled to.