​SUPPORT WITH THE COST OF LIVING

Posted 28 June 2022

The Government have announced numerous schemes to support households struggling with the cost of living and energy crisis.  See our summary below to give you an outline of the schemes as they currently stand. Note that backdated benefits that cover the qualifying date will also create eligibility.  These payments are tax free and will not affect any current benefit entitlement.  However there may be other help available to you from the existing benefit system, or you may need help with debts.  Do contact us for advice.

• The first scheme to be announced was the £150 Council Tax energy rebate for households in Council Tax bands A-D. Households who pay by direct debit should get this automatically, but for those that do not, a claim is required.  Council’s have sent out letters to households that need to claim.  Note this is also available to households where full Council Tax Reduction is in place (so there is no bill) so don’t miss out! 

• The second scheme is the Energy Bills Support Scheme which was initially a £200 loan, has now been doubled to £400 and is no longer a loan. It will be credited to accounts over the 6 months from October 2022, or for prepayment meter customers it will be credited to their meter or will be sent a voucher

• A newer source of help is the one-off £650 Cost of Living Payment for those on means tested benefits. This is payable to people receiving a means tested benefit on the qualifying date (25 May 2022). For Universal Credit claimants, the first assessment period needs to have ended on or before the qualifying date, and you continue to get Universal Credit. For Tax Credits claimants, you have to have an award of at least £26 this tax year.  This will be paid in 2 instalments, the first of which is due to paid on 14 July 2022, the second due in the Autumn.

• An additional £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment will be payable in September to claimants in receipt of one of the following benefits on the qualifying date on 25 May 2022.
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Scottish Disability Benefits
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • War Pension Mobility Supplement

• The final scheme is a One-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. Eligible households are those who receive the Winter Fuel Payment currently (ie. Those over State Pension age (aged 66 or above) between 19 – 25 September 2022).  This payment will be made automatically in November or December.