With costs of energy continuing to rise people have been left relying on financial support from the government more than ever. On Wednesday, it was revealed that food inflation soared to a record 11.6% in October and that overall shop prices are now 6.6% higher than they were this time last year.
With energy costs also 95% higher than they were this time last year, the UK government has been rolling out various cost of living payments aimed at helping those hardest hit by the cost crisis. Earlier this year councils gave millions of households a £150 cost of living rebate while there is also £650 for those on means-tested benefits and a £400 energy rebate for all households being distributed in instalments over the next six months.
While there are plenty of extra funds coming between now and Christmas there are several payments coming this month that you might qualify for, according to the Coventry Telegraph. If you're struggling to pay your bills, it could make all the differences to your finances in the lead-up to the busy Christmas season.
Read more: All the DWP payment dates between now and Christmas including £324 cost of living payment
Here is everything you need to know about the cost of living payments coming this month.
Cold weather payment scheme - November 1
The cold weather payment scheme provides those on low incomes a grant of £25 for each seven-day period in which the temperature drops below freezing in their area. It runs from November 1 until March 31, 2023. People are eligible if they receive certain DWP benefits such as pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance or universal credit. You can find out more about the scheme here.
National Insurance increase reversed - November 6
Almost all of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng's mini-budget has been reversed by new chancellor Jeremy Hunt, but one policy that has stayed is their decision to reverse the 1.25% increase in National Insurance that came in earlier this year. It will mean that the rate of National Insurance will be 12% on salaries between £9,880 and £52,270 per year, and 2% on earnings above that figure. The government says this will mean 28 million people saving an extra £330 in the 2023/24 tax year.
Second cost of living payment - from November 8
The second instalment of the £650 cost of living support payment, worth £324, will start to be paid out from Tuesday, November 8, following the £326 that went out in the summer. People qualify for the support if they are on one or more of a range of benefits including universal credit, pension credit and legacy benefits. Recipients of tax credits who don't get any other qualifying benefit will get the payment a bit later, from 23 November. You can read more about the payment here.
Warm home discount scheme opens - November 14
This scheme grants £150 to people on low incomes to help with energy bills over the winter. It opens in the middle of the month and runs until March 31. If you are eligible, the money will be taken off your bill directly by your energy supplier. People qualify if they receive the following benefits: pension credit, income-related employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support, universal credit, housing benefit or child tax credits and working tax credits. You can read more about all the help with your heating bills this winter here.
Pensioner's cost of living payment - November or December
Older people who receive winter fuel payments can get an additional £300 in November or December. Winter fuel payments are usually worth between £200 and £300 depending on a person's age and circumstances, so the extra payment will be a welcome boost.
People who were 66 or older (the state pension age) between September 19 and 25 and who get winter fuel payments can get the support. Those who qualify will not need to apply, the money will be added to your existing payment automatically. You can read more about that payment here.
Energy discount payment - October to March
Every household will get £400 taken off their energy bills this year to soften the blow of rising gas and electricity prices. Most people will receive the discount automatically, either as credit on their account, money taken off their bill, or money paid back to them.
However, those on traditional prepayment meters are getting the money via vouchers. You can read more about this if you haven't redeemed your vouchers here. The discount is spread over six months with the first instalment of £66 having come off bills in October followed by another this month. The payments will be £67 from December through to March. To get all the latest money-saving news straight to your inbox twice a week sign up here.
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