Millions of households throughout Scotland and the UK will be given financial support between now and Christmas to help amid the worsening cost of living crisis.
Earlier this week, the UK Government announced when people waiting for the second £324 instalment of the £650 cost of living payment will get their money. Starting November, those eligible for the one-off cash boost will receive the payment.
Everybody who qualifies for the second instalment of the money will get it between November 8 and November 23, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. The cost of living payment is part of the UK Government's package of support to help people through the cost of living crisis.
READ MORE — DWP Universal Credit claimants to receive £324 cash boost in November
Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng commented: "We know that people have been worried about their bills ahead of this winter, which is why we’ve taken decisive action to hold down energy bills, saving the average household around £1,000 a year, and provided £1,200 of targeted support to the most vulnerable.
"Without our intervention, analysts were predicting that the average annual energy bill could have reached £6,500 next year. We were never going to let this happen."
Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith said: "Millions of families will soon see a £324 cash boost as part of our extensive £1,200 support package, helping to raise incomes and manage the rising cost of living. We understand that people are struggling which is why and we’re committed to supporting the most vulnerable households.
"That’s also why we are focused on driving growth and delivering quality public services so we can continue to support those in need through these challenging times while boosting opportunity for all."
Read below for a breakdown of all of the major payment dates between now and the end of 2022.
October to March - £400 energy bill rebate
All UK households will receive a £400 energy bill rebate between October 2022 and March 2023. Every household will get a £66 discount on their bills in October and November, and will get £67 off their bills every month between December and March.
November 8 to 23 - £324 Cost of Living payment
The UK Government has announced that the second instalment of the £650 cost of living payment will be issued to qualifying households starting November 8 and before November 23. Over 8 million people across Scotland and the UK have already received the first £326 payment, which was issued in the summer.
The money will be transferred automatically and therefore you do not need to apply. In order to be eligible for the £324 payment, you must be receiving at least one of:
- 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 claim Tax Credits and qualify for the payment, you will receive the money slightly later. According to the DWP, "payments from HMRC for those on tax credits only will follow shortly after each to avoid duplicate payments".
November - Winter Fuel Payment plus £300 Pensioner Cost of Living payment
People who were born on or before September 25, 1956, may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. This is worth up to £600 and can help cover heating bills over the winter.
You will get the payment automatically if you are eligible and claim either the State Pension or another social security benefit (not including Adult Disability Payment from the Scottish Government, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).
If you qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, you will also receive an additional cost of living payment worth up to £300. According to the UK Government, payments will be made between November and December.
November - Warm Home Discount scheme
The Warm Home Discount scheme will open in November, and eligible households will see a £150 reduction on their energy bills. Following changes to the eligibility criteria, the UK Government states that an additional 750,000 households will qualify this year.
In order to receive the discount, you must be eligible for one or more qualifying means-tested benefit, including Universal Credit, Income Support and Housing Benefit.
The rebate will be applied to bills automatically by energy companies. All suppliers with more than 50,000 customers are involved in the scheme.
Winter - £324 Cost of Living payment for people on Tax Credits
If you receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit from HMRC, you will receive the second instalment of the cost of living payment this winter. An exact date has yet to be announced.
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