Millions of households across the UK are eligible for support in these upcoming months to help amid the cost of living crisis. On Monday, the new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt saw a massive U-turn on some of Prime Minister Liz Truss' mini-budget plan.
The new Chancellor has cancelled the Government's plans to cut the basic rate of income tax from 20% to 19%,a planned cut to dividends tax, the repeal of reforms to off-payroll working rules, the introduction of a VAT-free shopping scheme for non-UK visitors to Great Britain, and the freezing of alcohol duty rates from February 1, 2023. You can read more about his plans here.
Some things have immediately changed in the mini-budget plan, such as the energy price guarantee being cut short. However, many people are still eligible for some extra help during the winter months to support with household bills and essentials.
Here is a list of five payments that you could claim before Christmas.
Cost of living payment - £324
Many households have been paid their first installment of their £650 cost of living payment. It is estimated that eight million payments have been made to support those struggling as bills continue to rise.
The second payment is due next month, between November 8 and 23, and will be paid automatically in the bank that people recieve their benefits. However those receiving tax credits will be paid after November 23.
The people on the following benefits are eligible to claim the second cost of living payment which will be worth £324:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
Pensioner cost of living payment - £300
Those who receive the winter fuel payment will also be able to apply for the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid out in November and is worth £300.
You must apply for both the Winter Fuel Payment and the Pensioner Cost of Living payment, and the requirements are; being born on or before September 25 1956, and living in the UK for at least one day between the days of 19 to 25 September as this classed as the 'qualifying week'.
Warm Home Discount - £150
Million of households will also be receiving the Warm Home Discount which is equivalent to £150 off their energy bills between the months of December to March 2023. Those who have received any of the following benefits up to August of this year will be eligible for the automatic discount:
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
- Pension credit guaranteed
- Pension credit savings credit
Household support fund - up to £150
Local councils across the country are helping struggling households by giving out some extra money to support bills and essentials. Depending on the are, households can receive up to £150.
To qualify for the household support fund, usually you would need to be a recipient of council tax support. You can find your local council using the GOV.UK website and contacting them through there to discuss further.
Cold weather payment - up to £75
As the weather proceeds to get colder, low-income households can get a £25 payment. Some cold weather payments has already been made in places around the UK which have already experienced weather below zero.
This is also an automatic payment including for those claiming Universal Credit, and will be determined by each seven-day period of low temperatures between November and March.
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