Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit can get discounted gym membership through little-known trick
MILLIONS claim benefits every year but they also open up a number of other discounts and freebies too.
In some cases, you might be able to get the price of your gym membership slashed or completely for free.
However, how much of a discount you can get depends on your local council and how you qualify varies too.
For example, residents in Bradford, West Yorkshire, can get reduced admission for a range of leisure activities if they are on certain benefits including Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
Meanwhile, Better, a social enterprise which runs over 90 gyms in London, offers people lower prices on memberships.
But you have to be on certain benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit or Carers Allowance.
The application process will vary depending on where you live, but might involve speaking to your local council or leisure centre.
You’ll generally be asked to fill out a f0rm as well as provide proof you’re on benefits too.
What other freebies can I get on benefits?
Billions of pounds worth of benefits goes unclaimed every year which can help with the cost of living.
But they also open up a number of freebies, including gym memberships and others. Here are just a few:
£150 cost of living payment
More than six million people with disabilities are set to receive a one-off tax-free payment worth £150 from June 20.
The money is designed to help with the extra costs incurred from having a disability, such as care and mobility needs.
The cash will be paid direct into people’s bank accounts between June 20 and July 4.
You will receive the money if you are on certain benefits, which are:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Free NHS prescriptions
Millions can get free NHS prescriptions if they’re on certain benefits.
The cost of a single prescription is currently £9.65, and costs can quickly add up so it’s worth seeing if you can get the freebie.
Those on the following benefits can get help:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Element
- Universal Credit (if you meet the criteria)
You should take your benefit award notice along with you to the pharmacy as proof.
Grants for new or expectant mothers
New mothers can get a £500 free payment via the Sure Start Maternity Grant.
You will qualify if you receive the following benefits:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest loan (in some cases)
You have to claim the grant within 11 weeks of your baby’s due date or six months after the baby’s birth.
You don’t have to pay the grant back and it will not impact your other benefit or tax credit allowances.
You can check out our list of 27 freebies you can get if you’re on benefits.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk