Other support

If you receive UC you may also be able to get other financial support depending on your circumstances and where you live, including the following:

• advance and hardship payments (see pages 21 and 33);

• alternative Payment Arrangements to get your rent paid directly to your landlord, get paid more frequently than once a month or receive split payments, if you are part of a couple;

• Budgeting Advance (see page 32);

• Help with housing costs from the local council (such as a reduction in council tax or discretionary housing payments – see Chapter 7);

• new-style JSA (see page 30);

• new-style ESA (see page 40);

• help with health costs, including prescriptions and dental treatment;

• Sure Start Maternity Grant (see page 50);

• Healthy Start vouchers (for those who are pregnant or have a child under four years old);

• free early education for two-year-olds;

• free school meals;

• disabled facilities grants;

• Cold weather payments (see page 33);

• Legal aid

• help with the costs of using courts or tribunals;

• help with prison visiting costs; and

• funeral expenses payment (see page 75).