Universal Credit is run by the Department of Work and Pensions however we, as a Council can provide the following help and support;
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are a top-up to benefit, and are considered if a person needs extra help with their housing costs. Any payment awarded is made in addition to any Housing Benefit that has been awarded.
There is only a certain amount of money to spend on these payments, so an application is required in order to decide if a DHP can be made.
Discretionary Housing Payments are generally only available as short-term assistance, not a long-term solution.
Free school meals are available to children whose parents or guardians are currently receiving certain benefits.
Young people who receive Income Support or income-based Job Seekers' Allowance in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals.
School clothing grant
The grant is available to pupils who are eligible for free school meals or are looked after and are entering:
- reception class of maintained primary schools in September 2018;
- year 7 of maintained secondary schools in September 2018; or
- pupils in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units who are aged 4 or aged 11 in September 2018.
The Childcare Offer is 30 hours a week of free early education and childcare for eligible working parents of three and four-year-olds for up to 48 weeks of the year. It consists of a combination of the existing Foundation Phase Nursery (FPN) provision open to all three and four-year-olds and additional funded childcare for eligible families.