Cost of living and state benefit payments will continue to be made in August and through the rest of the year - with payments already announced for 2024 - although there will be some changes next month.
People who need help with the cost of living are being given additional money with the first £301 payment already made in May for people on some benefits and another £150 for people with disabilities now being paid.
A second £300 cost of living payment is due this autumn before a third comes next spring.
Those claiming state benefits and pensions need to be aware of a change in August. Because of the Bank Holiday on Monday, August 28 payments will be made a day early.
That applies to:
- Universal credit
- State pension
- Pension credit
- Disability living allowance
- Personal independence payment
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Employment support allowance
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance
In the UK, there are various state benefits available to provide financial support and assistance to individuals and families in different circumstances. The eligibility and specific amounts of benefits can vary based on factors such as income, employment status, age, disability, and other specific criteria. Here are some of the key state benefits in the UK:
Universal Credit: Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that replaces several existing benefits, including Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit, and others. It is available to individuals and families on a low income or who are unemployed, providing financial support for living costs and housing.
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA): Jobseeker's Allowance is a benefit for individuals who are actively seeking employment and meet certain criteria. It is divided into two types: Contribution-based JSA, which is based on National Insurance contributions, and Income-based JSA, which is means-tested.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): ESA is a benefit for individuals who have limited capability to work due to illness or disability. It is divided into two components: Contributory ESA, which depends on National Insurance contributions, and Income-related ESA, which is means-tested.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): PIP is a non-means-tested benefit designed to help individuals with a long-term health condition or disability with additional costs related to their care and mobility needs.
Child Benefit: Child Benefit is a universal benefit provided to help with the costs of raising children. It is available to most parents or guardians responsible for a child under the age of 16 (or 20 if they are in education or training).
Housing Benefit: Housing Benefit provides assistance with housing costs, such as rent, for individuals or families on a low income. It is gradually being replaced by Housing Costs under Universal Credit.
State Pension: The State Pension is a regular payment provided to individuals who have reached the State Pension age (currently around 66 for both men and women). The amount depends on an individual's National Insurance contributions or credits.
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit: Child Tax Credit provides financial support for individuals responsible for children. Working Tax Credit is available to individuals or families on a low income and who are working a certain number of hours per week.
