Over the last few months, the Government has given out money to help with living costs and more financial support could come this month.
The cost of living crisis is still hitting millions hard and those who are eligible for the help should be aware of them.
Most of these schemes were put in place to cover the winter months when things such as energy costs were much higher.
Sadly, these schemes will be coming to an end this month and after this, some will not be reintroduced until later in the year, and some will not be coming back at all.
Here is everything you need to know about some of the financial help you could get in March.
Cold Weather Payment
With snow predicted in some areas of the UK across March, you could still receive payments for "freezing" weather.
Until March 31, you could receive £25 for each seven-day period when temperatures drop below zero degrees in your area.
The payment should be made automatically within 14 working days, and you can receive multiple Cold Weather Payments if there are several spells of freezing weather.
So if this March is a frosty one - you could get paid twice.
To get the Cold Weather Payment, you must be claiming at least one of six particular benefits, these include:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Alongside this, other personal circumstances are also considered on whether you are eligible for the money, such as whether you have young children living with you, or if you have a disability.
If you’re eligible, then the payment should be made automatically.
The Cold Weather payment is not available to those living in Scotland as those eligible instead receive an annual £50 Winter Heating Payment.
You can check if your area is eligible to get a payment here.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
For the final time, millions of households across the UK will receive a £67 discount on their energy bill.
The discount will either be applied directly to your bill by your energy supplier if you pay by direct debit or it will be given as a refund to your bank account.
If you pay by receipt of bill, you will see the discount applied as credit to your energy account and prepay customers will be sent discount vouchers by text, email or post that they will need to redeem.
The Energy Bill Support Scheme was first introduced in October last year and will finish in March as the Government has not announced an extension to the scheme.
This means from April, you will have to pay your entire monthly energy bill in full.
The scheme was announced by the former Chancellor and current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year and gives households £400 off their energy bill over the course of six months.
Warm Home Discount
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022/23 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
This is a Government-backed scheme to help reduce costs if you’re on low income, getting certain benefits and struggling to pay your electricity or gas bills.
The £150 is not paid directly into your bank account, it is instead applied to your energy account by your supplier.
If you are on a prepay meter, then you will usually be sent a top-up voucher.
You might be able to get a Warm Home discount if you fall into one of two core groups in England and Wales during the qualifying date, which was August 21, 2022.
These groups are:
- Core group 1. If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- Core group 2. If you’re on a low income, and getting certain means-tested benefit
In Scotland, these groups are called the "Core Group" and the "Broader Group".
To find out whether you qualify, you can call the government Warm Home Discount phone line on 0800 731 0214 up until March 31, 2023.
