Universal Credit: Full list of extra benefits, help and freebies you can claim

If you receive Universal Credit, you could unlock extra benefits and support to help ease the cost of living.

Free school meals, reduced council tax and broadband bills, as well as low cost days out are just some of the additional help you could be accessing.

It's also important to regularly check if your entitlement changes, as change such as free school meals are rolled out to anyone claiming Universal Credit.

We explain what is available in 2026 and how to make sure you're not missing out on extra financial lifelines.

Free school meals if you claim Universal Credit

From the start of the 2026/27 school year, all children in England from households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household earnings.

Previously, Universal Credit households generally had to meet an income threshold to qualify.

The change means around 500,000 extra children across England are expected to become newly eligible under the new rules.

Free school meals are worth around £500 a year for cash-strapped parents, so it's a big saving.

You still need to apply and have your eligibility verified by your school or local authority.

Importantly, if your child is eligible for free school meals, they may also qualify for support through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme during the school holidays.

This programme offers free meals and activities when school isn't running to help ease costs outside of term time.

Council Tax Reduction on Universal Credit

You could get help with your Council Tax bill if you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits including Universal Credit.

Council Tax Reduction is administered by your local council, so the amount you can get and the eligibility rules depend on where you live.

In some areas, households can receive a reduction that cancels out their council tax bill, while others may qualify for discounts based on factors such as income, savings, household size and personal circumstances.

Receiving Universal Credit does not automatically mean your Council Tax bill will be reduced. However, it is worth checking the help that is available locally to you.

Check your local council's website to find out whether you qualify and how to apply.

Universal Credit broadband and phone deals

Cheap broadband and phone deals are available for people on low income and on certain benefitssuch as Universal credit.

The deals are known as social tariffs and are offered by some providers, rather than being a payment from the government.

But not everyone knows they exist.

If you're struggling with your broadband or phone bill, it's definitely worth checking whether your provider offers a social tariff.

Big broadband providers offer discounted packages for people on Universal Credit and low income, including BT, Sky and Virgin Media.

You can usually switch to a social tariff without paying an exit fee so check what's on offer and whether you could save.

Universal Credit cheap days out

People claiming Universal Credit can unlock free or £1 tickets for top days out across the UK.

The list includes attractions such as Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace and London Zoo.

This benefit can save families hundreds of pounds on days out over a year.

However, you'll usually have to book online and in advance to get these special priced tickets, so you'll need to be organised and plan ahead.

Help with mortgage payment when you claim Universal Credit.

If you own your home and claim Universal Credit, you may be able to get Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).

This scheme is designed to help with the interest on your mortgage.

However, this is a loan not a benefit or grant that needs to be repaid when you sell or transfer ownership of your home.

You can apply if you've been receiving Universal Credit for three months in a row.

SMI could help if you're struggling with your monthly mortgage payments because it reduces the amount in monthly repayments to your lender that you need to find yourself.

The cash is paid direct to your lender by the government.

Free NHS prescriptions with Universal Credit

You could qualify for free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment and eye checks if you claim Universal Credit, though this benefit depends on your take-home pay.

You can get help with health costs if your take-home pay was £435 or less in the last assessment period.

Or if you have a child living with you, the threshold rises to £935 or less.

NHS eye tests can cost around £25 and the cost can put people off so make sure you use the Universal Credit perk if you can.

You will also get money off new glasses or contact lenses, plus help with travel to NHS treatments.

Help with unexpected costs on Universal Credit

You could be able to apply for an advance, hardship payment or another type of financial support on Universal Credit.

It may be that you're struggling to pay bills or cover an unexpected cost.

Bear in mind that advances or payments will need to be repaid so you'll have to budget for lower payments in the future.

Another option could be the Crisis and Resilience Fund which is offered though local council to people facing financial hardship.

Unlike national benefits, each council decides how it will distribute the funding, meaning eligibility and the type of support are different across the country. Often you'll need to be claiming benefits such as Universal Credit to qualify.

Get in touch with your local authority to find out what's available.

Extra £1,200 cash boost on savings

The government's Help to Save scheme that can help you build a financial safety net by giving up to £1,200 in free bonus payments over four years.

Anyone claiming Universal Credit and doing any form of paid work can open an account.

You can save as little as £1 a month and up to £50 a month into a Help to Save account.

The government then pays a bonus based on how much you've saved, essentially you get an extra 50p for every £1 saved over four years.

If you put away the full £50 a month, you save £600 a year, £1,200 after two years, £1,800 after three years and, £2,400 after four years.