How to get your Universal Credit right in 2020 - and obscure benefits which could save you hundreds

How to get your Universal Credit right in 2020 - and obscure benefits which could save you hundreds
From being paid to start a savings account to extra cash if you're pregnant, there's a host of benefits people do not know about


People could be paying out hundreds of extra pounds every year simply because they do not know which benefits they are entitled to.

It can feel like you need a degree in the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure you receive your correct payouts.

From the dozens of forms you have to navigate through to complicated assessments of how much you did earn compared to projections of what you could make in the coming year - the process can leave many confused.

But if claimants get it wrong, they could be forking out unnecessarily on things such as their travel expenses or even council tax.

From being given money to buy work clothes to getting extra cash if you're pregnant, there's an array of obscure benefits available.

Here are six of the best Universal Credit entitlements that you need to know about:

Up to 85 per cent of childcare costs can be reimbursed
Costs can be reported online, and those in work while in receipt of Universal Credit can apply for up to £646.35 per month if you have one child and up to £1,108.40 for two or more children.
You can get up to 50 per cent off train and bus travel
You might be eligible for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card which is great for getting you to interviews and appointments as well as being valid for all other journeys you make. Speak to your work coach to find out more. Those receiving Jobseekers Allowance may also be eligible.

You can get paid for buying work clothes
A Flexible Support Fund is available to help you cover the costs of starting work. This money does not have to be paid back, and can cover the costs of things like clothing and uniforms to begin your job, and travel to interviews. Again, speak to your work coach to find out more.
If you are having a child you may be entitled to a one of payment.
Known as the Sure Start Maternity Grant, households on Universal Credit can benefit from a one-off payment of £500. This does not have to be paid back and will not affect the benefit payment you receive.

You could save on your Council Tax bill
Depending on your circumstances and where you live you may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction and some people might not need to pay a single penny
You can get help to start saving .
The government’s Help to Save scheme offers people who receive Universal Credit, and some people entitled to Working Tax Credit, incentives to save anything from £1 up to £50 per month. After two years of saving, the government will give you an extra 50p for every £1 you have saved. More info on

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