As we enter the new tax year households continue to struggle with the Cost of Living crisis. To help those who are the most vulnerable a wave of government support is being introduced.
During his Spring Budget the Chancellor confirmed the support packages, worth £94bn, which are available for struggling families. The Energy Price Guarantee is also being extended.
But there are changes to some of the payments families can receive, so make sure you’re aware of what they are. Read on for details of what benefit and support payments are available this month.
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Changes to benefit payment dates
There are two bank holidays in April which could impact the payment date of any benefits. Good Friday is on April 7 while Easter Monday is on April 10. For those due to receive a benefit payment on either of these dates, the DWP will instead pay it early on April 6. Although if you’re not due a payment on these dates your benefits will be paid as normal.
Energy Price Guarantee
In his spring budget Jeremy Hunt confirmed that the energy price guarantee (EPG) would be extended for a further three months. Under the EPG household’s energy payments are capped at £2,500.
What is coming to an end
The Energy Bill Support Scheme expired at the end of March, with the last £67 instalment of the £400 total payment being paid into bank accounts. The Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment schemes also came to an end in March.
Cost of Living payments
If you receive means-tested benefits you should soon expect the first instalment of the Cost of Living Payment, worth up to £900 in total. It’s broken down into three payments worth £301, £300, and £299.
To be eligible for Cost of Living payments, you must receive one of the following:
Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Pension Credit
It is understood that the first payment will be handed out during the spring period.
£150 disability cost of living payment
Those who claim for disability benefits may be eligible for some extra money in the summer, although the exact date has not been confirmed yet. The qualifying benefits for this payments are:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance
Armed Force Independence Payment
War Pension Mobility Supplement
£300 pensioner Cost of Living payment
People who receive the Winter Fuel Payment for 2023/24 are automatically eligible for an extra payment worth up to £300. This Pensioner Cost of Living Payment will be topped up onto the usual Winter Payment in November 2023.
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