Page 5 | Free stuff if on UC or PIP or money saving advice?

StrengthPleaseToday · 2025-10-17T09:28:57+00:00

I may get flamed here but it's worth it as I think some here may have some good advice. I've always worked until recently. My husband is disabled and has a number of chronic health conditions but never previously claimed benefits as I was supporting the family. I had managed remote work around caring for him until earlier this year. His health has deteriorated to where I need to be a full time carer, and we have now run out of savings. It will take a lot of treatment before he is well enough for me to take on any more work around his care. We're now making claims for UC and PIP. We also have small children aged 4 and 6. We live in London. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions about either stuff you may get for cheap or free if on UC or PIP, especially anything for families? I want to keep life for the children as nice as possible while we get through this. Also with Christmas coming up I'm also interested in any money saving advice or suggestions about either Christmas events or where to buy gifts (ideally online) that are cheap or discounted for people on UC or PIP. Thanks in advance!

Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:57

stilldumdedumming · 17/10/2025 10:50

My dp gets full PIP. We don’t have children at home anymore. But always look for discounted tickets for anything. The reality is that my dp can’t go to these things without me - if there was an evacuation or anything happened he can’t manage due to brain damage and sight loss. He would literally think that stay where you are means come here etc. so I have no guilt taking those free tickets as his companion.

We go to the cinema a lot and get one free ticket (a CEA card). Most zoos etc do similar. You can also get an access card which allows you to take short cuts/ not queue if that is an issue. It just makes it more manageable.

Thanks, I'll look into the access card. He can't go to lots of places and also would need adjustments at others, and will need me with him.

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DEAROP · 17/10/2025 10:56

You can go to many exhibitions at museums and galleries for a reduced price. My friend does it when we go out with the kids. She often has to book a slot though, you can't just turn up. She provides proof of receipt on her phone (they often don't ask though). She pays something like £3 to my £15.

Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:56

My comment wasnt against people on UC etc. Used to work for UC so I’m definitely not a benefit basher! I just took OPs question as one about receiving free goods

ruethewhirl · 17/10/2025 10:55

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:42

Thanks - looks like I'm making a return to Facebook!

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Local FB groups (in my experience anyway) also often have people putting things up they want to get rid of, free or very cheap, you might find something you're in need of there.

Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:54

Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:53

It’s not an unpleasant comment at all. I was genuinely puzzled. But I think OP meant discounted services rather than free stuff , so that makes more sense.

Im not too impressed with your comment either

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I mean anything useful to think about really

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bobcat1987 · 17/10/2025 10:54

Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:38

Why do you think people on UC or PIP would just get free stuff?!

I'm on UC get free kids meals but we have to pay for school trips ones just come up weekend away 330 lol My son has gone Telford today 15.00 lol

Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:53

ruethewhirl · 17/10/2025 10:50

Unpleasant comment given the circumstances OP's shared with us. Tbh I took the question more to mean things like Freecycle, Too Good to Go etc, which anyone can sign up to. But also, y'know, because people on UC or PIP have less money through no fault of their own? 🤷‍♀️

Hope things get easier soon, OP.

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Thanks. I'm a bit worried tbh about how our finances will look especially to start with, and with Christmas on the horizon, so trying to combat what by getting some ideas.

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Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:53

ruethewhirl · 17/10/2025 10:50

Unpleasant comment given the circumstances OP's shared with us. Tbh I took the question more to mean things like Freecycle, Too Good to Go etc, which anyone can sign up to. But also, y'know, because people on UC or PIP have less money through no fault of their own? 🤷‍♀️

Hope things get easier soon, OP.

Show quote history

It’s not an unpleasant comment at all. I was genuinely puzzled. But I think OP meant discounted services rather than free stuff , so that makes more sense.

Im not too impressed with your comment either

RandomMess · 17/10/2025 10:52

There should be social tariffs for your phone/broadband.

Money Saving Expert forum boards may have other helpful advice/where to find bargains.

Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:51

@Fearfulsaints I had no idea about that, thank you

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stilldumdedumming · 17/10/2025 10:50

My dp gets full PIP. We don’t have children at home anymore. But always look for discounted tickets for anything. The reality is that my dp can’t go to these things without me - if there was an evacuation or anything happened he can’t manage due to brain damage and sight loss. He would literally think that stay where you are means come here etc. so I have no guilt taking those free tickets as his companion.

We go to the cinema a lot and get one free ticket (a CEA card). Most zoos etc do similar. You can also get an access card which allows you to take short cuts/ not queue if that is an issue. It just makes it more manageable.

ComfortFoodCafe · 17/10/2025 10:50

You need to firstly be in receipt of pip before you get discounted tickets (carer tickets) some places do them, some dont. Wait till its all awarded and then look around.

ruethewhirl · 17/10/2025 10:50

Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:38

Why do you think people on UC or PIP would just get free stuff?!

Unpleasant comment given the circumstances OP's shared with us. Tbh I took the question more to mean things like Freecycle, Too Good to Go etc, which anyone can sign up to. But also, y'know, because people on UC or PIP have less money through no fault of their own? 🤷‍♀️

Hope things get easier soon, OP.

Fearfulsaints · 17/10/2025 10:50

Make sure you fill out the form that let's your children's school claim pupil premium.

I work in a school and a number of charities will donate stuff like panto tickets, or Christmas gifts for PP children. Not every year but often enough.

They can also prescribe food bank vouchers, help with uniform subsidise trips etc. Each school uses pp in different ways.

Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:50

@LakieLady good idea, thank you. They may also have general advice. I'm also looking into local family hubs etc. Not for free stuff but more for anything/support for kids with parents with his conditions.

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Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:48

Bluestitching · 17/10/2025 10:47

Pip isn’t a means tested benefit.

I know, we should have claimed it years ago.

OP posts:

LakieLady · 17/10/2025 10:47

If there is a charity that helps people with your DH's specific health condition(s), it might be worth approaching them to see what help or financial support they may be able to offer.

A couple of friends have had help and financial support from MND and Parkinsons charities.

Bluestitching · 17/10/2025 10:47

Pip isn’t a means tested benefit.

Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:46

@SteakBakesAndHotTakes thank you - it's good to have some ideas about where to look.

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DiscoBob · 17/10/2025 10:46

I'm listening if there is! I know you get half price garden waste pick up in my area if on UC. I can't think of much else though in the way of private sector discounts.

Original poster

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:45

@Harriet9955 I think I garbled that a bit, I'm interested in UC/PIP related stuff, and just advice around cheap Christmas presents, family events or money saving ideas in general.

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SteakBakesAndHotTakes · 17/10/2025 10:45

It depends where you are as different places have different rules. Where I am you get half price public transport, 80% claim back off childcare, £40 food voucher per child each school holiday, free holiday childcare, cost of living hardship fund to help with specific outgoings (this is local to our borough so again need to research for yourself), heavily discounted days out (zoo, theatre, soft play, adventure parks etc), 3 free after school clubs per child (this varies between schools but most have some sort of discount). A charity called Little Village does does an annual free Christmas gift collection but I think the eligibility has changed - used to be for people with kids under 5, now I think it's under 2. If you go to a local children's centre or community hub they will be able to tell you more.

DontGoJasonWaterfalls · 17/10/2025 10:45

You can get cheaper tickets to various attractions if on UC; tickets for things and days out are always a nice gift. Trying to think of where we've had them for in the last year... Definitely London Transport Museum, I think Eden Project, lots of zoos do it etc. HMS Belfast, Royal Observatory possibly.

As your DH's carer, if all of you go and see a show, your ticket will be free as a companion. He may need to register for an Access card (in Wales we use Hynt so not 100% sure on the English system).

Hicc · 17/10/2025 10:45

If you have just applied, you are unlikely to be in receipt of PIP by Christmas, even if your first application is successful (approx 50% of first time claims are turned down).

Being in receipt of PIP can mean that you as a carer would get into events for free, but you would still need to pay for your husband and children.

Kirbert2 · 17/10/2025 10:45

London zoo offers reduced tickets for those on UC

Universal Credit tickets to London Zoo | London Zoo