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

[StrengthPleaseToday]

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!

I guess I wasn't expecting things for free as such, just that there may be some associated reductions on some things. Also just interested in free or low cost ideas for activities, and general deals or tips. Lots of great info on here, I'm very grateful.

Maybe read the thread ?

HMRC don't care about you selling your own second hand stuff. And neither do UC, as long as your capital does not go above £6k, at which point you have to declare it.
Vinted might report what you make to HMRC but that does not mean you will have to pay tax on it.

Yes agree, feel in the spirit of pointing out things that are not automatic, your blue badge advice is not automatic in all areas of the UK:
“If your DH doesn’t already have a blue badge, then if he scores at least eight points on the mobility component of PiP, or ten points on planning and following a journey he will automatically qualify for a blue badge with no further assessment.”

Source: I score 10pts on PIP for mobility but my local council requires 12 pts/enhanced mobility to automatically qualify for a blue badge. I do not qualify for a blue badge.

If you are on Universal Credit or another means tested benefit, you might be eligible for the Warm Home Discount, which is a £150 rebate on your electricity bill. Some energy companies apply it automatically so check your energy account online between now and the end of October.

www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/low-income-England-Wales

Worth knowing that you had to be in receipt of UC or another qualifying benefit on 24th August, though.

Thanks for this.
My energy company does not know I am on UC though. Is this something you have to apply for?

They don’t need to. The government uses a list of claimants from the 24th August. If you’re on UC, you’re considered a core recipient and don’t need to apply.

Ah ok. Thank you 🙂