The start of a new tax year will see a series of new nationwide government support come in from the Department for Work and Pension (DWP).
Many vulnerable households will be able to benefit from these payments as the cost of living crisis continues to place immense pressure on people's finances. Meanwhile, the government has dedicated an extra amount of funding in order to target and support those most vulnerable from the difficult economic situation the UK is in right now.
During his Spring Budget, the Chancellor confirmed that a £94bn support package has been put in place to protect struggling families, equating to around £3,300 worth of support for the average family. This has mainly been uplifted by the government's decision to keep the energy price guarantee at £2,500 from April.
Read more: Financial warning issued over 'unjustifiable' state pension age delay with 'UK citizens at risk'
Here are all the upcoming support payment for April explained...
April benefit payment date changes
April will see two bank holidays which may change the date for any of your benefit payment. Good Friday will be on April 7 while Easter Monday will be on April 10.
If you're expecting a benefit payment, such as Universal Credit, on either of these dates, the DWP will instead pay it early on Thursday, April 6. However, if you're not expecting a payment on these dates then you will receive your benefits as normal.
£900 Cost of Living payments
Those receiving means-tested benefits should soon expect the first part of the Cost of Living Payment worth up to £900. The payment is divided into three instalments of £301, £300, and £299.
To be considered eligible for Cost of Living payments, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- 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.
£300 pensioner cost of living payment
Anyone who receives the Winter Fuel Payment for 2023/24 will be automatically eligible for some extra cash worth up to £300. This pensioner Cost of Living payment will be topped up onto the usual Winter Payment in November 2023.
How much you receive from the cost of living payment will depend on when you were born and what your circumstances were during the qualifying dates - it has not yet been announced what the qualifying dates are.
£150 disability cost of living payment
Those who claim for disability benefits may be eligible for some extra money in the summer. 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
It has not yet been announced what the qualifying dates are or when the cost of living payment will be handed out.
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