There are several benefits and cost of living payments you could be entitled to in February.
More than two in five (44%) working age households reported being either behind on or struggling with housing-related costs.
The latest survey from the Resolution Foundation found that while 6% of working age households had fallen behind on their housing costs in November last year, a further 38% had met their costs, but struggled.
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The Foundation suggested that while the Covid-19 crisis worsened housing stress, the current cost-of-living crisis has delivered a more extensive shock to households.
A range of cost-of-living support measures are in place to help households, including targeted support for those who are particularly vulnerable.
Here is what will be paid out the course of February, according to SomersetLive.
State benefits and pensions
These payments will go out directly on their usual dates this February:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
Energy discount payment
During his tenure as Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced that every household would receive a £400 energy bill discount. The first instalment of £66 was paid in October, followed by another in November.
People then received a further £67 in both December and January. Now, another £67 payout will be sent in February before the final instalment in March,
Those who pay their bills by direct debit will receive the discount automatically. Meanwhile, those who pay on receipt of an invoice will see the discount applied as credit to their energy account every month.
Cold Weather Payment scheme
The scheme runs until March 31, 2023, and entitles £25 to people on low incomes when sub-zero temperatures occur over a seven-day period.
if eligible, the money is paid to anyone registered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to receive a qualifying benefits payment. These include: Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
Warm Home Discount scheme
The winter heating scheme also runs until March 31, having been launched in November. Those eligible could receive £150 to help them through the cold weather.
The money will be taken off their energy bills directly by their supplier. Qualifying recipients must be receiving: Pension Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits.
The DWP is also sending out further cost of living support for those on low incomes this Spring. The £900 cash injection is aimed to help over eight million eligible means-tested benefits claimants, including people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, starts in the spring and will go directly to bank accounts in three payments.
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