Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Free stuff if on UC or PIP or money saving advice?

134 replies

StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:28

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!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Andthatrightsoon · 17/10/2025 10:44

Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:38

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

Because we live in a wealthy, generous country that helps people out when they fall on hard times?

OP, food banks often have Christmas toys available for those who need them.

Original poster
StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:42

Hicc · 17/10/2025 10:41

Facebook marketplace is good for kids toys, but Facebook locality-based groups are fabulous sources of what's going on, free meals by community groups, local community centre panto etc.
I'd suggest posting your questions there to get the relevant info you need.

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

OP posts:
Original poster
StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:42

Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:38

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

Well I don't know if they would but I'm hopeful! We're looking at a pretty hard time financially so anything helps, either UC/PIP related or just general. Someone told me once there was cheaper entry at a show they went to for PIP so I thought there might be other things .

OP posts:
Hicc · 17/10/2025 10:41

Facebook marketplace is good for kids toys, but Facebook locality-based groups are fabulous sources of what's going on, free meals by community groups, local community centre panto etc.
I'd suggest posting your questions there to get the relevant info you need.

Original poster
StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:40

Thanks @Harriet9955 I will look into these.

Yes I imagine it will be a long time before he is assessed for PIP or work capability. Based on the information I can find about these, I'm certain he is eligible for pip and won't be expected to look for work, but I suppose whether or not he is awarded is a different question!

OP posts:
Sidebeforeself · 17/10/2025 10:38

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

Original poster
StrengthPleaseToday · 17/10/2025 10:36

Yes I'm posting for genuine reasons.

If anyone's worried about the bit about free stuff for people on PIP or UC being used against people, ideas about general money saving advice or cheap or free activities or deals would be good otherwise. Thank you.

OP posts:
Hicc · 17/10/2025 10:34

Wishing you well if this is a genuine query. I am sure your local CAB can help. Or look on local Facebook groups for advice. You can post anonymously on there, or create a new account if that feels more comfortable.

However if this is a post to glean information that will be used against those on UC or PIP or any other benefits, to say 'look at what those scroungers get for free', then please don't. People on benefits are being othered enough already.

Harriet9955 · 17/10/2025 10:34

I think the kids will get free school meals and discounted school trips . Maybe your council can offer school uniform grants . You should get the warm home discount so a bit off electricity bill. Your council may have a household support fund which you can access for food and fuel vouchers. It can take a while for PIP to be awarded and can be hard to get. Likewise with UC your husband will need to go through a work capability assessment which can take some months for that extra element to be awarded. Unfortunately your UC won't be a huge amount until that LCWRA element for him is awarded and carers element for you. Carers element can't be awarded until PIP is awarded.
No one on PIP is getting cheaper Xmas gifts. things like cinemas may offer disability discounts and a free ticket for carers.

Swipe left for the next trending thread