This article maybe specific for the UK but the programs highlighted in this article can give you an idea of what might be available in your country if not from the UK.
If you are a no, or low-income earner living in the United Kingdom, you may have an extremely difficult time making ends meet. That is why the government has gone to great lengths to create viable programs that are designed to help offset some of your regular household expenses. Below is a look at numerous different benefits that are offered by the government that you may be eligible for. These benefits will help cover some of your standard expenses and help put more money back into your pocket.
Income
- Income Support. If you are working 16 hours per week or less, and are receiving little to no income, you may be eligible for Income Support. Payments are made every other week and you can earn as must as £56.80 per week. This money can be used to help offset any household expenses.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you have recently lost your job and are actively looking for a new one, you may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance. This payment is made bi-weekly for up to £56.80 per week. Once you qualify, you will continue to receive this benefit until you are able to find a new job.
Housing
- Housing Benefit. This benefit will pay some, or all, of your monthly rent payments. Eligibility is based on your income and residency. The exact amount of your benefits is directly dependent on your income, family size, and type of home you rent.
- Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payment program is designed to help offset some of the costs associated with your fuel bill. This is an annual lump-sum payment in the amount of £100 to £300, and is not taxable, nor does it need to be repaid.
- Cold Weather Payment. This payment is paid to low-income families only when the temperature is 7° C or lower for seven straight days. The payment is for £25 and will automatically be paid each time this occurs once you have signed-up for the program. This benefit is designed to help offset heating expenses during extreme temperatures.
- Warm Home Discount. Eligibility for these discounts is based on income and family size, however, if you qualify you can receive up to a £140 discount off your current heating bill.
- Council Tax Benefit. Each council has their own tax benefit program and eligibility requirements. Depending on your specific situation, you could receive as much as a 100 percent reduction off your council tax payment.
Food
- Healthy Starts. Healthy Starts is a program designed to ensure that children, up to age five are provided with a nutritious, healthy start. Depending on your income and family size, you will receive one or two vouchers each week. These vouchers are good for certain types of foods, such as milk, fruits, vegetables, and baby formula.
- Free School Meals. This program is only available in England and Wales, but if eligible, it will cover the costs of school meals for your children.
- Local Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries. There are many different soup kitchens and food pantries located across the country to help low-income earners. The food pantries distribute free food on a monthly basis, whereas soup kitchens offer free meals to people on a daily basis. If utilized, both programs can help reduce the amount of money you need to spend each month on food.
Children
- Sure Starts Maternity Grant. This program is only for first-time mothers, and those mothers who are having twins. The grant offers a £500 payment that does not need to be repaid. These funds can be used to purchases much needed baby supplies.
- Maternity Allowance. If you are pregnant, you may be able to receive financial support for the first 26 weeks after the birth of your child. If you are eligible, you will receive the lessor of £136.78 per week or 90 percent of your standard pay. This allowance gives you time to stay home and bond with your baby before you need to go back to work.
Childcare Grant. If you meet the income and residency eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive help paying some, or all, of your weekly childcare expenses. You will receive a grant of £150.23 for one child or £257.55 for two or more children to help offset the costs of childcare needed, while you are working.
- Childcare Tax Credit. You may also qualify for a reduction on your taxes through the childcare tax credit. You can receive a direct tax credit of up to £122.50 per week for one child or £210.00 per week for two or more children.
All of these special benefits can help offset some of your current household expenses. This will give you more money each month to spend towards other necessary expenses. It will also make managing your money easier to do. It is important, however, that you still maintain a viable household budget to keep track of your financial spending habits.
