DWP one off payments Glaswegians can claim this March…

DWP one off payments Glaswegians can claim this March to help with cost of living

The cost of living is soaring with many people looking elsewhere to get help in a bid to relieve any financial strain they may be facing.

Whether it's shopping or petrol, many people are finding it hard to pay for the essentials, with energy costs also a concern for many just weeks before prices are set to soar even more.

Jeremy Hunt will soon deliver a spring statement to the House of Commons to set out the government’s economic plans, with people being urged to listen out for key issues such as taxes, savers, homebuyers and pensioners - all of which may be discussed.

Around this time last year, former chancellor Rishi Sunak didn't announce changes to Universal Credit or other DWP benefits, however, depending on what happens with the cost of living situation, Mr Hunt could announce an update.

So what are some of the payments you can get to help you ease any financial strain? Here are just some of the help on offer, and what payments should be paid this month, if you qualify.

Energy discount - last payment

A £400 energy bill discount payment was announced with the first being issued last year. The payments are being split into six instalments and will see UK households receive a total £400 discount on their energy bill between October 2022 and March 2023.

The first payments were issued in October and November and were £66 each. This was followed by a payment of £67 in December.

People can expect the last of these payments this month with the Gov.uk website stating: "You’ll get the discount monthly, even if you pay for your energy quarterly or use a payment card.

"If you do not get a payment, contact your energy supplier."

Winter Heating Payment

The Winter Heating Payment is a yearly payment of £50 that’s paid automatically to help people on low income benefits who may have extra heating needs. Payments for winter 2022 are expected to be made from February 2023, so you should start to see it coming in around now. You’ll receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before they make the payment.

This replaces the Cold Weather Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of Scottish devolution and has the same eligibility requirements.

Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, Winter Heating Payment thankfully does not depend on how cold the temperature gets. Social Security Scotland and DWP are working together to transfer this benefit.

Most eligible clients will receive this payment automatically.

Your eligibility for Winter Heating Payment is assessed by Social Security Scotland. They look at:

What benefits you’re receiving
Your circumstances from 7 November to 13 November 2022 – this is the 'qualifying week'

Winter Heating Payment is for people in Scotland who:

Get a particular benefit – this is the ‘qualifying benefit’
Get the qualifying benefit on at least one day between Monday 7 November to Sunday 13 November 2022 – this is the ‘qualifying week’
Meet one other specific requirement of their qualifying benefit

You can read more about how Winter Heating Payment works.

To get Winter Heating Payment you must have received one of the following benefits during the qualifying week between November 7 to November 13 2022