Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has outlined the financial support people eligible for cost of living payments this winter should be getting. Lewis used part of his 8pm ITV slot on Tuesday evening on The Martin Lewis Money Show to outline exactly what those who fall into the low income bracket should have had so far, and what they can expect.
More than eight million UK households on eligible means tested benefits should receive additional cost of living payments both this winter and next year, rising from £650 this year to £900 next winter. This includes households receiving universal credit, income-based jobseekers allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credit, and child tax credit.
“There is some help coming,” Lewis reassured viewers. “These are the cost of living payments that are happening this winter. You should now be in the middle of getting those £66/£67 a month if you pay for electricity.”
Read more: What we know so far about the £900 cost of living payment in 2023 as Martin Lewis predicts date
Lewis was referring to each household with a domestic energy supply receiving a £400 discount on energy bills. It is being paid to all households who pay for electricity in six separate instalments and began in October. The money is automatically taken off bills, rather than a payment.
“For those on benefits and tax credits the £650 has mostly been paid,” Lewis continued. “The second payment, everyone who is eligible should receive by November 30. The vast majority have that second payment now. Next winter that is going up to £900 so it covers some of the gap of the lost £400 for those on benefits.
“For those with disabilities you should have had £150 - and you will get the same amount next winter. State pensioners, your £300 goes on top of the Winter Fuel Allowance and starts being paid tomorrow and you should have got it by the middle of January. That’s also going to be £300 next year as well.”
The Money Saving Expert added that many people are contacting him to ask about support for households using alternative fuels such as heating oil and LPG. The government has announced £200 of support but has not given a date for when bill payers can expect this, he said. “It will be 200 quid and paid for most people by their electricity provider as bill credit,” he explained.
Who will be eligible for the £900 cost of living payment next year?
Claimants of the following benefits will be eligible for the government’s £900 cost of living support next year:
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Universal credit
- Working tax credit
- Child tax credit
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