Best places to find discounts if you’re unemployed or on a low income | Tenant news

If you’re unemployed, on Universal credit or on a low income, we realise that you may be finding it difficult to make ends meet at the moment, so we’ve scoured the internet in search of discounts and the best offers that can help you save some money.

Free school meals

If you have children of school age, you can apply for free school meals if you – or your child - receive any of a number of government benefits including Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Find out more at ww.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.

School uniform grants

Some councils provide a £150 grant towards school uniform costs. Check if this grant is available in your area www.gov.uk/help-school-clothing-costs.

Music lessons

Some local councils help fund music lessons for children. Check with your local council for details.

The Music for all charity provides funding for aspiring musicians. They have just opened their 2022 funding round for people wanting to learn piano, and electric guitar, and for people with learning or cognitive issues.

Help Musicians is a charity that helps professional musicians from beginners through to retirement. They provide help with funding for new musical instruments and lessons for children under 18.

Home to school travel

Your children may be eligible for home-to-school travel, but it depends on your personal circumstances, where you live, and what’s available via your local council. Visit  www.gov.uk/help-home-school-transport to find out more.

Rail travel

There are a number of railcards that you can apply for to save money:

• A disabled person’s railcard offers you a third off rail fares for you and your travel partner
• A senior citizen railcard offers a third off your rail travel
• A 16-25 railcard offers a third off rail fares for those under that age bracket
• A full-time student railcard can save you an average of £145 per year on train travel
• If you have children aged 5-15yrs a family and friends railcard can save you £117 per year on your rail travel
• If you live in London and the South East a network railcard will save you a third of your rail travel.
   

Find out how to apply for these railcards, and get support to help with the cost of transport.

Phone and broadband

Comparison websites can save you money on your phone and broadband bills. Find out which comparison site is best for you and what they have on offer.

Leisure facilities

Many swimming pools and leisure centres give discounts to people who are unemployed or on a low income.

Some issue swimming session vouchers while others offer a free swim on specific days of the week during term time. You need to check with your local council to find these offers.

General living costs

Finally, Turn2Us is a national charity that offers grants to support anyone struggling to make ends meet, even if you’re on benefits. You can apply for various grants towards living costs, bills, school needs, and more.

Find out their full range of grants at www.turn2us.org.uk/About-Us.