All you need to know about the government’s cost of living support
*PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS AN OLDER POST AND THERE MAY BE A MORE UP TO DATE POST, OR UPDATED INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ *
The Government is providing £37 billion this year to help households combat the rising cost of living. Millions of people on means-tested benefits began receiving the first of two cost of living instalments from 14 July 2022, and all eligible should receive the payment by 31 July. The first payment is £326, and the second payment will come in autumn, bringing the total of both payments to £650.
Households who are eligible because they receive tax credits and no other eligible benefits will receive their first instalment from HMRC in the autumn, and the second instalment in the winter.
Who is eligible?
You will get the two payments if you get any of the following:
Universal Credit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
If you have a joint claim, you will get one payment. Payments will be made automatically into bank accounts.
What other support is the government offering?
The Energy Bill Support Scheme has been doubled to £400 and domestic energy customers will not have to pay it back. This payment is being made available to all domestic energy customers through their energy supplier. Those with prepayment meters will have the amount applied to their meter or paid via a voucher.
Pensioner households who receive the Winter Fuel payment will receive an extra £300. The payment will be made in November/December, and you can check if you are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment on the gov.uk website
A one-off £150 payment will be made available from September for those who receive the following disability benefits:
Disability Living Allowance
Personal Independence Payment
Attendance Allowance
Scottish Disability Benefits
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Constant Attendance Allowance
War Pension Mobility Supplement
This payment will come on top of the £650 they will receive separately.
If you need help or advice, get in touch with our team today - call us free on 0808 2787 801, or complete the contact form on our website to speak to one of our advisers.
