Easy Universal Credit trick that gets you half price travel and thousands are missing out
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.
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The discount card can be picked up from your local JobCentre Plus branch
Credit: SWNS
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.
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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.
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