Additional Universal Credit entitlements you may not know of

There are over two million people receiving the benefit and as well as your standard monthly allowance there are a number of additional entitlements you may be eligible for.

Here are six Universal Credit entitlements that you may not know about, courtesy of the Department for Work and Pensions:

1. Up to 85 per cent of childcare costs can be reimbursed through Universal Credit. Costs can be reported online, and those in work while in receipt to 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.

2. You can get up to 50 per cent off train and bus travel if you are 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.

3. Not having ‘work clothes’ doesn’t have to stop you accepting a job as 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 start work, and travel to interviews.

4. If you are having a child you may be entitled to a one-off 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.

5. You could save on your Council Tax bill and in some case you may not need to pay anything at all. Depending on your circumstances and where you live you may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction.

6. 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.