The cost of living crisis squeezed household budgets to breaking point throughout 2022 and shows little sign of easing up as we enter the first full week of March with energy bills set to rise again - unless a campaign led by Martin Lewis can stop the UK Government raising the Energy Price Guarantee from £2,500 to £3,000 - and inflation still sitting high in double digits.
The UK Government’s cost of living support has been extended for the next financial year, however, people living in Scotland may not be aware of the unique access they have 11 devolved benefits which could help boost their household income.
It is important to ensure that you are claiming all the benefits, discounts and reductions you are entitled to from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), your local council and Social Security Scotland. The Scottish Government recently launched a new website , ‘Cost of Living Support Scotland’, which provides details on the wide range of advice, information and financial help available to households and individuals across the country - similar to the UK Government’s dedicated pages on GOV.UK here.
