Overview

• Claimants can now access seven benefits and discounts valued at up to £7,217, encompassing grants for pregnancy, food support, childcare, housing and savings.
• The Sure Start maternity grant offers a one-off £500 payment to parents expecting their first child or twins and triplets, while the NHS Healthy Start scheme provides up to £442 in food vouchers annually.
• Universal Credit recipients working or with a job offer can reclaim 85% of childcare costs, capped at £1,014 for one child and £1,739 for two or more, and may receive discretionary housing payments of up to £2,578 toward rent.
• Families will also qualify for free school uniforms grants, free school meals worth around £500 per child and participation in the Holiday Activity and Food Programme during breaks.
• Proposed legislation would freeze existing incapacity benefits at £423.27 from 2026-27 and halve rates to £217.26 for new claimants, with a House of Commons vote scheduled next month.