logo
Easy Universal Credit trick that gets you half price travel and thousands are missing out

Easy Universal Credit trick that gets you half price travel and thousands are missing out

The Sun02-05-2025

YOU might not be aware that there is a simple Universal Credit trick that can get you half price travel.
If you receive Universal Credit, you may be able to get a huge 50% off your bus and train fares just by applying for a discount card.
1
The JobCentre Plus Travel Discount Card is aimed at helping those looking for work travel to job interviews at a lower cost.
It's free to apply for and is valid for up to three months.
The card is accepted by most train and bus operators, including Transport for London and Stagecoach.
Of course, you will need to be looking for work to get the card.
To be eligible for the card you must:
Be claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance
Be between 18 and 24 years' old and have been unemployed for 13 to 39 weeks.
Be aged 25 and over and unemployed for 13 to 52 weeks.
To apply, you'll need to go to a JobCentre Plus office.
You can find your nearest one here.
It's worth noting that even if you meet the criteria there is no guarantee you will receive a card as it's up to work coaches to decide.
You should keep your travel card on you while you're travelling as you will need to show it to bus drivers or ticket operators to get the discount.
Five key changes to PIP & Universal Credit as Labour's benefits crackdown unveiled
If you can't get a card, you may still be able to get discounts on travel.
For example, some operators like Greater Anglia offer free tickets for people travelling to job interviews.
The scheme is aimed at people who have been unemployed for at least six months or have recently left education, and it entitles them to six free fares.
Plus, you may be eligible for help with your fares in the first few months of commuting to your new job.
You can contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for more information.
Am I entitled to Universal Credit?
According to the GOV website, if you're on a low income or need help with your living costs, then you could be entitled to Universal Credit.
To claim, you must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions if you're 15 to 17), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.
Other circumstances are if you are out of work, or unable to work, for example because of a health condition.
Other help is available for those on Universal Credit and searching for work through the Restart Scheme.
Your JobCentre work coach can help you make a claim through the scheme, which helps to cover costs including childcare and transport.
The coach can also provide support with with skills training, job applications and interview preparation among other things.
Another useful scheme is the Government's Flexible Support Fund, a pot of money which is managed by local job centres and distributed at their discretion.
It can be used to cover costs like training for a job, travel to interviews, childcare, tools for work and clothing and uniforms.
You can find out more about how to apply in our guide.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to comply with DWP rules when travelling abroad on benefits
How to comply with DWP rules when travelling abroad on benefits

North Wales Live

time8 hours ago

  • North Wales Live

How to comply with DWP rules when travelling abroad on benefits

Benefit claimants must adhere to three crucial steps before jetting off on their summer holidays, in order to comply with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regulations. Failure to inform the relevant department could result in your holiday being perceived as a deliberate act of fraud by the DWP. If you're planning to venture abroad, you'll need to first notify the office that manages your benefit, which might be the pension service, Jobcentre or your work coach. You'll likely need to provide specifics about your departure date, destination and planned return date. You may also have to explain your reason for travel - for example, if you're going overseas for medical treatment, you might be allowed more leeway to continue claiming benefits. This is required even if you're only heading overseas for a short trip. While some benefits may be put on hold during your time away, others will carry on being paid as normal. Secondly, if anything happens while you're abroad that could affect your benefit eligibility, you must report it as a change of circumstances to the DWP, just as you would if it occurred at home. This could involve buying property, working or claiming pension or other benefits in another country. Finally, if a benefit recipient dies abroad, the DWP must be informed immediately, and you must stop claiming pension or benefits for that individual, according to Bristol Live. Breaking the DWP holiday rules Failure to adhere to these three rules could be construed as benefit fraud. Additionally, you may need to fulfil certain conditions while overseas to continue claiming your benefits legitimately. However, this largely depends on the type of benefit you receive. For instance, if you're on new-style Jobseeker's Allowance, you must have registered at least four weeks prior to your trip and be actively seeking employment until the day you depart. For those on Universal Credit, you need to meet the eligibility criteria throughout your holiday. If you receive benefits in error while abroad, you may be required to repay the funds you were not entitled to. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Typically, this amount is deducted from future benefit payments. Some trips might need to be shortened if you want to maintain your benefit payments. For instance, Universal Credit can only be claimed during your first month abroad, unless you're undergoing medical treatment, in which case it can be extended for up to six months. Your destination may also affect your claim. Certain countries have social security agreements with the UK, allowing you to claim some UK benefits if you decide to move abroad permanently: Bosnia and Herzegovina Turkey Bermuda Gibraltar New Zealand Mauritius Channel Islands Jamaica North Macedonia USA EEA countries Serbia Kosovo Canada Montenegro Barbados the Philippines Israel Switzerland

DWP rules for anyone on benefits who is planning a holiday abroad
DWP rules for anyone on benefits who is planning a holiday abroad

Daily Record

time18 hours ago

  • Daily Record

DWP rules for anyone on benefits who is planning a holiday abroad

The DWP has strict guidance for any benefit claimants who are planning a holiday abroad this summer - with consequences for those who do not follow guidelines People claiming benefits must take three steps before going abroad this summer to stick to DWP rules. Failing to notify the relevant department could lead to your trip being viewed as a deliberate act of fraud by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you're planning to leave the country, you'll first need to inform the office that handles your benefit, which could be the pension service, Jobcentre or your work coach. You'll probably need to provide details about when you're leaving, where you're going and when you plan to return. ‌ You may also need to justify your reason for travelling - for instance, going abroad for medical treatment often allows you more flexibility to continue claiming benefits. This is necessary even if you're only going overseas for a brief visit. ‌ While some benefits may be suspended during your absence, others will continue to be paid as usual. Secondly, if anything occurs while you're away that could impact your benefit eligibility, you must report it as a change of circumstances with the DWP, just as you would if it happened at home. This could include purchasing property, working or claiming pension or other benefits in another country. Lastly, if a benefit claimant passes away overseas, the DWP must be notified immediately, and you must cease claiming pension or benefits for that person, reports Bristol Live. Breaking the DWP holiday rules Failure to adhere to these three rules could be construed as benefit fraud. Additionally, you may need to fulfil certain conditions while overseas to continue claiming your benefits legitimately. However, this largely depends on the type of benefit you receive. For instance, if you're on new-style Jobseeker's Allowance, you must have registered at least four weeks prior to your trip and be actively seeking employment until the day you depart. For those on Universal Credit, you need to meet the eligibility criteria throughout your holiday. If you receive benefits in error while abroad, you may be required to repay the funds you were not entitled to. Typically, this amount is deducted from future benefit payments. Some trips might need to be shortened if you want to maintain your benefit payments. ‌ For instance, Universal Credit can only be claimed during your first month abroad, unless you're undergoing medical treatment, in which case it can be extended for up to six months. Your destination may also affect your claim. Certain countries have social security agreements with the UK, allowing you to claim some UK benefits if you decide to move abroad permanently: Bosnia and Herzegovina Turkey Bermuda Gibraltar New Zealand Mauritius Channel Islands Jamaica North Macedonia USA EEA countries Serbia Kosovo Canada Montenegro Barbados the Philippines Israel Switzerland

Holiday mistakes could mean people are committing benefit fraud
Holiday mistakes could mean people are committing benefit fraud

Daily Mirror

timea day ago

  • Daily Mirror

Holiday mistakes could mean people are committing benefit fraud

Your benefits could be stopped or reduced as you're forced to pay back sums Benefit recipients planning a holiday abroad this summer must take three crucial steps before departure. Failure to do so could lead the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to view their trip as an intentional act of fraud. Firstly, you need to notify the office that handles your benefit. This could be the pension service, Jobcentre or your work coach, and you'll likely need to provide details of your departure date, destination, and expected return date. You may also need to justify your reason for travel, for instance, travelling overseas for medical treatment often allows more flexibility in continuing to claim benefits. ‌ This is necessary even if you're only going abroad for a brief visit. Some benefits may be suspended during your absence, while others will continue to be paid as usual. ‌ Secondly, if anything occurs while you're away that could impact your eligibility for benefits, you must report it as a change of circumstances to the DWP, just as you would if you were at home. This could include purchasing property, working, or claiming a pension or other benefits in another country. Lastly, if a benefit claimant passes away while abroad, the DWP must be notified immediately, and claims for pensions or benefits on behalf of the deceased must not continue to be claimed. Failing to adhere to these three rules could be considered benefit fraud. You might also need to fulfil certain conditions while you're overseas to continue claiming your benefit legitimately, although this will depend on the type of benefit you receive. For example, if you're receiving New-Style Jobseeker's Allowance, you must have registered at least four weeks before your trip commences. You'll also need to be actively seeking employment up until the day you depart. If you're on Universal Credit, you'll need to meet the eligibility criteria for the entire duration of your holiday. If you are incorrectly paid benefits while you are abroad, you may be required to repay the money you weren't eligible for. This is typically deducted from future benefit payments. ‌ Certain trips may also need to be curtailed if you want to keep your benefit payments going. For example, you can only claim Universal Credit during your first month abroad, unless you're undergoing medical treatment, in which case it can continue for up to six months. Your benefit eligibility abroad may also hinge on your destination. The following countries have social security agreements with the UK, meaning you can still claim some UK benefits if you immigrate: EEA countries Switzerland Barbados Bermuda Bosnia and Herzegovina Canada Channel Islands Gibraltar Israel Jamaica Kosovo Mauritius Montenegro New Zealand North Macedonia the Philippines Serbia Turkey US Further information about claiming benefits abroad and benefit fraud can be found on the website.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store