Millions of families across the country have cut household spending and reduced outgoings in an effort to offset the ongoing cost of living crisis which shows no sign of easing up despite extended financial support from the UK Government for 2023/24. The £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme is set to finish at the end of this month and the current £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee is due to rise to £3,000 from April 1, although a campaign led by Martin Lewis has urged Chancellor Jeremy Hunt not to implement the £500 increase.
While most people have reviewed their outgoings and streamlined their finances as much as they comfortably can, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are claiming all the available financial support you are entitled to. This includes benefits, Council Tax Reductions and TV licence discounts.
Many people mistakenly believe there is a stigma attached to claiming benefits, but it’s worthwhile noting an estimated £15 billion state support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) went unclaimed during 2021-22. The Scottish Government recently launched a new website, offering a 'one stop shop' to help households and individuals quickly check for additional support.
