High Court bids to end discrimination against legacy benefit claimants

At the beginning of the pandemic, Chancellor Rushi Sunak has announced an increase of £20 to the standard allowance of Universal Credit. However, Government did not apply the same vital support to the legacy benefits such as Job-seekers allowance, employment and support allowance, income support and others. 

The majority of those who receive the legacy benefits, the majority of whom are disabled, sick or carers. The high court has agreed it is arguably unlawful and will decide the case later this year. Helen Bartnard, Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, stated that it is entirely unjust to exclude the people in receipt of legacy benefits from the £20 increase. 

If you receive Universal Credit or any legacy benefits, you are entitled to a free or heavily subsidised boiler under the ECO 3 boiler Scheme.

If you are a homeowner who is in receipt of Universal Credit or any one of the legacy benefits and your boiler is older than six years. You are entitled to the boiler replacement under the ECO scheme. 

If your property has a suspended floor or a cellar/basement, you might be entitled to additional funding for the insulation of your underfloor. This means that it is likely your boiler will be free, and no contribution will be required. 

I don’t have a boiler or radiators in the property. Can I get a boiler grant?

If you don’t have and never have had a boiler or radiators in the property, and you have access to gas mains. You receive Universal Credit or any one of the legacy benefits, you can be entitled to the first time central heating grant. 

If you think you qualify, visit our dedicated page and apply.