Thousands of people across Scotland will be receiving Cost of Living payments as energy prices rise.
Those who are on DWP benefits will be getting £650, paid in two instalments, to help with the rising cost of living. However, not everyone is entitled to the financial support.
While everyone will have an energy discount applied, experts warn millions will struggling as the energy price cap is expected to hit £3,576 per year in October. It is then forecasted to jump to £4,704 next January and £5,856 in April.
READ MORE- Driving instructor calls for test fees 'to double' to reduce six-month backlog
For those who will not receive the Cost of Living Payments, as per the Daily Record, they may still be able to access extra financial help and checking could only take a few minutes using an online benefits calculator.
What is an online benefits calculator?
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis is urging every household who earns less than £30,000 to use a benefits calculator just in case they are entitled to extra support. You can see the one on moneysavingexpert.com here.
Online benefit calculators only take up to ten minutes and can help work out if you are missing out on any benefits. They are also completely free, independent and confidential to use.
To use it, you just need to enter details about yourself, your residential status, employment status and any savings you have.
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
- What benefits you could get
- How to claim
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to find support if you can't pay your energy bill
If you are struggling to pay your energy bill, independent charities can offer advice and support and supply benefit calculators.
Advice Direct Scotland's benefit calculator provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits. It is an online tool that is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including the Scottish Child Payment. They offer information on Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments.
Turn2us offers information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
They can offer impartial advice relating to income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit. They can also explain how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.
What you will need
When using a benefits calculator you will need certain information to hand. You will need to disclose any savings you have, your household income, existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you), outgoings such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments, and the latest council tax bill.
READ NEXT-
Money Saving Expert issues important message to everyone on a fixed energy tariff
Glasgow train strikes: What services are affected and when will they end
Energy bills will soar to nearly £3,600 from October in new Ofgem prediction
Glasgow property: Inside spectacular £1.7 million property located just outside the city
All of the DWP cost of living payment dates from now until December
