Rent prices have soared since mortgage rates increased at the end of last year. And now food bills have risen to record highs, which means people of all ages are struggling to make ends meet.
Bristol has seen the cost of renting hit record high, with one-bedroom flat on the market for a staggering £3.8K a month in some places - and it's a similar story for people up and down the country as landlords struggle with their bills.
The price of everyday groceries has also spiked to record amounts, with inflation now hitting 17.1%, pushing the average shopping bill up an extra £811 a year.
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But there is help available for people struggling with their cash flow.
Cold Weather Payment:
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March - which is when the payment scheme runs from. If you’re eligible, then the payment should be made automatically.
You may qualify if you receive the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
Check if you can get a payment in your area here.
Energy Bills Support Scheme:
You should get a £400 discount to help with your energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023. You do not have to pay this money back. This is called the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS).
All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the discount. You’ll still get the discount if:
- you change your payment method or tariff
- you switch electricity supplier or move to a new address
- your supplier goes bust
- you’re in arrears on your electricity bill payments
Cost of Living Payment:
The government has announced when further Cost of Living Payments will be made between spring 2023 and spring 2024. If you are eligible - including if you're a low-income household or have disability benefits - you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.
This includes if you’re found to be eligible for a Cost of Living Payment or a Disability Cost of Living Payment at a later date. The payments are:
- £301 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid during spring 2023
- £150 for people on an eligible disability benefit, to be paid during summer 2023
- £300 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid during autumn 2023
- £300 for pensioner households, to be paid during winter 2023 to 2024
- £299 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid in spring 2024
Council grants
People can apply to their local council if they are struggling to pay their bills. South Gloucestershire Council has been allocated £500,000 for helping people during the cost of living crisis, with other authorities being awarded similar amounts.
Grants are being handed out to help with energy bills, household bills and home insulation.
Call your local council for more information.
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