BENEFIT BOOST
Universal Credit households can get 10 free days out this half term – see the full list
Scroll down to find out what free cash schemes are available
FAMILIES on Universal Credit can bag up to 10 bargain days out this May half term – with some attractions slashing prices to just £1 or even free of charge.
With budgets squeezed tighter than ever, thousands of Brits claiming means-tested benefits can still enjoy top days out without breaking the bank.
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The half term fun kicks off this weekend and runs through to Sunday June 1, with some of the country's biggest attractions offering discounted entry.
From zoos and palaces to museums and gardens, we've rounded up the best deals for those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Tax Credits and other benefits.
York Castle Museum – FREE
Step into Britain’s past at this popular Yorkshire museum.
Claimants can get in totally free – and that’s a saving of up to £17 per adult.
Read more on benefits
Kids under five also go free, making this a great day out for families on a budget.
Tate exhibitions – FREE
Entry to the main galleries is free, but exhibition access at Tate Britain, Tate Modern and Tate Liverpool is just £5 for benefit claimants.
You’ll need to show benefit proof when attending.
Kew Gardens – £1 entry
Wander through 300 acres of stunning green space and glasshouses at London’s iconic garden spot for just £1.
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Anyone receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit qualifies. You can bring up to four extra guests, though they’ll need standard-price tickets.
You can also bring up to four guests – though they’ll pay full price – and you must book online.
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Historic Royal Palaces – £1 per person
Get royal treatment on a budget with £1 tickets to the Tower of London, Kensington Palace or Hampton Court Palace.
You’ll need proof of benefit, but you can take up to five guests with you on the discount.
Standard adult tickets can cost up to £33.60 – so this is a huge saving.
RHS Gardens – £1 tickets for six
The Royal Horticultural Society is offering £1 access to its gardens, including Wisley, Harlow Carr and more.
You’re eligible if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Tax Credits.
The deal applies to benefit claimants plus five guests.
London Transport Museum – £1 annual pass
Just £1 gets you a full year’s entry to the London Transport Museum.
This applies to those on either Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Tax Credits.
Bring your benefit letter and get access again and again for less than the price of a Tube ride.
Westminster Abbey – £1 adult, free child
One of London’s most iconic landmarks now offers £1 entry to Universal Credit holders, plus one child goes free.
All you need is your benefit letter on the day.
With up to £60 in savings per visit, these deals could help families cram in multiple days out for less than a tenner – just in time for the school break.
Make sure to check the terms and book in advance where needed, and don’t forget to bring proof of your benefit when visiting.
London Zoo – from £3
Animal fans can grab tickets from just £3 per person – a steal compared to the usual £34.50 adult rate.
Meaning that two adults can save over £60.
The deal covers up to six people per household – but you’ll need to book online and bring benefit proof on the day.
The deal is available to those on Universal Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits and Pension Credit.
Chatsworth House – from £3
Explore the grand house, gardens and farmyard for just £3 if you’re on Universal Credit.
Kids aged 3–16 pay £1 and under-threes go free. Proof is needed and tickets must be pre-booked.
Read More on The Sun
Edinburgh Zoo – tickets from £7
Up in Scotland? Families on Universal Credit can enjoy the zoo for as little as £7 per person.
Again, online booking and proof is required.
Free cash schemes if you're struggling
Many of us are still struggling with the high cost of living - but there's help you can get.
New or expectant parents can get up to £442 a year to spend on food through Healthy Start scheme.
Some new parents can get £500 via the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child.
Councils also offer support through the welfare assistance schemes, to help cover the costs of essentials, from buying new furniture to food vouchers.
The amount you can get varies but an investigation by The Sun found that hard-up Brits can apply for help worth up to £1,000.
Discretionary Housing Payment is a pot of money handed out by councils to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
A scheme is available for those who find themselves unable to cover housing costs, though the exact amount varies as each local authority dishes out the cash on a case-by-case basis.
Many energy forms offer grants to help cash-tight customers. The exact amount varies depending on your supplier and you circumstances, but could be as much a £2,000.
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