Which benefits are means-tested?
The means-tested benefits are:
To be eligible to receive any of these benefits, you must be able to demonstrate that your total capital is less than a certain amount.
How do you log in to Universal Credit?
Universal Credit claimants can see their online account by logging in via the gov.uk website.
You’ll need your username and password – which are the same ones you had to set up when you first applied for benefits.
If you have forgotten your login details, you can put in a request to reset your username or password by entering your email address.
If you have an online Universal Credit account, you can also sign in via gov.uk verify.
In a worse case scenario, you can always try calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (Textphone: 0800 328 1344).
You can also get in contact via NGT text relay on 18001 then 0800 328 5644.
There’s a Welsh language helpline available on 0800 328 1744 too.
Small appliances that could be leaving you out of pocket
There may be some appliances around your home that are costing you more than you thought if you leave them plugged in.
Just having your computer on standby could be setting you back £95 a year, with your TV costing £24.
Despite using your Wi-Fi the majority of the time, when you aren’t, the router could be costing £19.
Microwaves are costing households an average of £16 per year when plugged in and game consoles cost £12 when left on standby.
Meanwhile, your printer can cost £20 so make sure you are unplugging any appliances when you aren’t using them.
How can I slash my water bills at home?
Moving to a water meter can help some households save some extra cash.
However, if you use a lot of water then this makes no sense as it could see your water bills go up.
The Consumer Council for Water offers a free water meter calculator that’ll tell you if you can save by fitting a water meter.
There are also changes that you can make to your daily habits that could help to cut back on your water usage, including reducing the time you spend in the shower and not leaving the water running while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
Do I need a TV licence?
If you want to watch or record live TV then, yes, you need a licence.
This includes recording it live and watching it later.
Live TV includes all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.
In addition, the rules apply even if you don’t watch the shows on an actual TV – for example, if you watch programmes that are being broadcast live on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone.
A colour TV licence currently costs £159 a year. A licence for watching a black and white TV costs £53.50.
You’ll need to apply for a free licence on the TV licensing website or call 0300 790 6117.
Do you qualify for the winter fuel payment?
You’ll qualify for a winter fuel payment if both of the following apply:
- you were born on or before September 25, 1957
- you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 18 to 24, 2023 in what is known as the “qualifying week”
If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply:
- you live in Switzerland or a EEA country
- you have a “genuine and sufficient” link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK
