The rising cost of living is on most people's minds at the moment. Food and fuel costs are rising and interest rates are following the same upward trend.
A government support package was put in place earlier in the year but there are still many questions surrounding the rules and who will get cash, especially as we head into the autumn and winter months when most help in needed.
Some of the most frequently asked questions about the cost of living payments are answered below, whether that relates to who is eligible, when those payments will arrive or simply, what are they.
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What is a Cost of Living Payment?
The first may sound the most basic but with so many different schemes in place that could lead to confusion, it is a frequently asked question. The cost of living payment is part of the £37 billion government support package put in place this year to help Brits tackle the cost of living crisis.
Included in the package was a Cost of Living Payment of £650 (paid in two instalments of £326 and £324) to eligible low income households. Those eligible for the payment include households receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Pension Credit.
What is the £400 energy bill rebate?
An additional payment of £400 is going to all domestic electricity customers to help with energy bills. You don't need to apply for the discount, it will automatically be deducted from households monthly direct debits.
The discount will be paid in six instalments. Monthly payments will start from October. The first two payments will amount to £66 and will appear in bank accounts in October and November, 2022. After that the figure rises to £67, which will drop into accounts in December 2022, continuing in January February and March 2023. If your bill is less the £66/£67 a month, don't worry, you'll still get that amount but will be able to use the sum for later bills.
Will I get cost of living payment if I get carers allowance?
The cost of living payment is only for people receiving certain benefits, and Carer's Allowance is not one of them.
What is the £150 disability Cost of Living payment?
Those people who receive certain disability benefits will be paid a one-off £150 cost of living payment to help with the additional costs they may face such as addition care or mobility needs.
Who qualifies for £150 disability payment?
According to the government website, September's £150 one-off payment will be paid to those who receive disability benefits. This includes Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment), Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.
When will I get the DWP Cost of living £150 disability payment?
Following 'operational issues' last week, payments will now start to automatically arrive in bank accounts from Monday, September 26. DWP also advises waiting until “early October” before contacting them about a missing payment.
Do you get the £650 on Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is among the list of benefits that may make you eligible for the £650 payment. The amount is being paid in two lump sums (£326 and £324). Claiming one of the following also puts you in the running for the payment: Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit.
Do pensioners get cost of living payment 2022?
The short answer is yes if you get pension credit. One-off payments are going to those on income related benefits, disabled claimants and pensioners. Pensioners may also be eligible for the warm home discount and/or the winter fuel payment.
Those of pension age should also check if they are eligible for Pension Credit. This is separate from your State Pension and you can get it even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
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