![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/im-a-universal-credit-expert-and-here-are-seven-ways-you-can-get-1000s-in-help-now-how-to-claim/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/op-unicredit-0108-jw.jpg&description=HELPING HAND I'm a Universal Credit expert and here are seven ways you can get £1,000s in help NOW – how to claim MILLIONS of households on Universal Credit struggling with the cost of living crisis are eligible to claim help from a number of schemes. Households can typically get extra support including free cash grants, energy bill discounts and free food. 1 Jonathan Chesterman, benefits expert at Stepchange, outlines all the support you can get on Universal Credit However, thousands are missing out because they don't realise that they are entitled to this support. It means they can miss out on extra help worth hundreds of pounds. We spoke to Jonathan Chesterman, benefits and debt expert at Stepchange, to find out exactly what extra support households can get. He has nearly 30 years of experience helping households with their money troubles and is part of The Sun's Squeeze Team panel of experts. Here are seven schemes you can apply for if you claim Universal Credit. Help to Save scheme Struggling households can use government schemes set up to help those on low incomes boost their savings. The Help to Save scheme, a government-backed savings account, can help those on low incomes boost their savings by 50p for every £1 saved. You can save a maximum of £2,400 a year — or £50 a month — and if you max out the allowance you'd earn an extra £1,200 in free cash. Jonathan said: "If you're claiming Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, you could be eligible to open a Help to Save account. "And because it's a government scheme, all your money is secure." Healthy Start scheme Families struggling to put food on the table can apply for Healthy Start vouchers. You can get the help if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four - and claim certain benefits, which include Universal Credit. Jonathan said: "The Healthy Start scheme provides vouchers for milk (and instant formula milk), fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and vitamins for low-income){kind=link}
MILLIONS of households on Universal Credit struggling with the cost of living crisis are eligible to claim help from a number of schemes.
Households can typically get extra support including free cash grants, energy bill discounts and free food.
However, thousands are missing out because they don’t realise that they are entitled to this support.
It means they can miss out on extra help worth hundreds of pounds.
We spoke to Jonathan Chesterman, benefits and debt expert at Stepchange, to find out exactly what extra support households can get.