STRUGGLING HOUSEHOLDS ON UNIVERSAL CREDIT COULD SOON GET THESE FREEBIES BEFORE PAYMENTS RISE.

The Chancellor has announced that benefits payments will go up in line with the September inflation rate of 10.1%.

This means a yearly increase of £600 for the average family on Universal Credit. Specifically, those aged under 25 receiving a standard allowance will see an increase from £265.31 per month to £292.11, while singles aged 25 and over will have their monthly allowance rise from £334.91 to £368.74.

However, if you’re struggling right now and are after extra support, here’s 6 freebies you could be entitled to and how to claim.

COST OF LIVING PAYMENT - £900

Millions of households will receive £301 in free cash from April, the government has said.

The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed the dates when the first instalment of the £900 cost of living payment will be made.

Those eligible for the tax-free payment won’t have to do anything as it will be made automatically.

The full list of benefits that qualify people for the payment is:

• Universal Credit

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income Support

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

• Pension credit

• If you were receiving any of the above benefits between January 26 and February 25 this year you will receive the £301 payment.

If you were later found to be entitled to any of the above benefits between January 26 and February 25 you will be eligible for the payment too.

The DWP said those on tax credits only will receive their payment from HMRC after the DWP payments begin.

Council Tax

Some households on low incomes could be eligible for a discount on their council tax bill.

As one of the biggest bills for households and the worst consequences if you get behind, finding out if you can get a reduction could help you get by.

And this might be something to take advantage of as council tax costs will rise in April.

If you claim for a discount, in some cases you could even get your bill reduced to zero and with the average bill for a band D home at £1,966, that could save a significant sum.

The reduction could prove to be even more essential as council tax bills are set to go up again in April.

To find out if you’re eligible and apply you’ll need to contact your local councilyou can find yours using the gov.uk tool, just enter your postcode.

Free School Meals

If you're claiming certain benefits including Universal Credit then your child might be entitled to free school meals.

You will need to apply through your local authority so that they can apply for extra funding from the Government, while some councils ask you to contact the school directly.

Simply click here and type in your postcode to be redirected to your local council's website and apply.

The exact amount you'll get depends on where you are, but ranges from around £2.15 to £2.60 per day, or around £400£500 each school year.

FREE £150 FOR SCHOOL UNIFORMS

How much you can get in England to help pay for school uniforms varies depending on where you live, but you can get up to £200 in some local authorities.

As a general rule, those on income support, Universal Credit, JSA, child tax credit, ESA, and pension tax credit are entitled to support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

You may also be eligible if your annual income is less than £16,190.

To apply, you need to put in your postcode on the Gov.uk website, which will direct you to your council's website where you should search for “uniform grant” in the “Education” section to find out what help is available in your area.

Next week we will give you 4 more freebie tips to help drive that cost of living down.