Millions of households across Scotland and the UK are due to receive financial aid in the coming months as the cost of living crisis continues to worsen.
After Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced earlier this week that the UK Government would backtrack on plans made by Prime Minister Liz Truss and former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, some things changed instantly — such as the energy price promise being slashed from two years to six months.
As reported by Chronicle Live, people across the UK are still eligible for financial support over the winter months. This includes cost of living payments and discounts on energy bills.
READ MORE — DWP Universal Credit claimants working part-time could have benefits cut
Here is a rundown of four payments you may be eligible to receive before Christmas.
Cost of living payment - £324
Millions of households have received the first £326 instalment of the £650 cost of living payment. The second £324 instalment will start being issued on November 8.
Between November 8 and November 23, people who claim certain means-tested benefits will automatically receive the money. Those who claim tax credits will not be paid until after November 23.
If you claim any of the following benefits, you may be eligible for the second cost of living payment:
- 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
If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £300 for your household paid with your normal payment from November 2022. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be born on or before 25 September 1956
- Have lived 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
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October 2022 and March 2023.
If you live in Scotland, you qualify if you either:
- Get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’
- Are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’
If you do not get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit you may be able to apply directly to your electricity supplier. All the following must apply:
- Your energy supplier is part of the scheme
- You (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits or tax credits
- Your name (or your partner’s) is on the bill
Cold weather payment - up to £75
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. The qualifying benefits are:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
You’ll automatically get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
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