The Department of Work and Pensions (the DWP) has pledged to support those in need through the cost-of-living crisis with a support package worth more than £1,000. The Government’s payments include help for those on low incomes, pensioners and disabled people.
Paid across a number of instalments at different points throughout the year, the £600 cost-of-living payment will be paid in two payments this year, with a third and final payment at the beginning of 2024. Households can also expect to continue to receive help with rising energy bills, which carries on from last year.
Households who need the extra support can check on the DWP website, where there is a tool to find out everything you’re entitled to. The tool can show you DWP support as well as help with council tax, healthcare costs and TV licences.
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Cost-of-living support payment - £600
Paid in three instalments, the cost-of-living support payment is paid to everyone on low-income benefits. Those who qualify will be paid three lump sum payments totalling £600.
Disability cost-of-living payment - £150
Disabled people can get the one-off payment of £150 if they get any of the following benefits:
Attendance Allowance, or
Disability Living Allowance (for adults or for children), or
Personal Independence Payment, or
Scottish Adult Disability Payment, or
Scottish Child Disability Payment, or
Armed Forces Independence Payment, or
Constant Attendance Allowance, or
War Pension Mobility Supplement
If more than one person in the household gets disability benefits, then each eligible person will get £150.
Pensioner payments - £300
The £300 payment will be made to almost every pensioner household in the UK on top of winter fuel payments. That means most people born before September 25 1957 will get Winter Fuel Payments plus an extra £300 this winter.
Energy bill support
The instalments from the energy bill support announced in October will continue. The £400 relief payment is being made in six instalments, leaving up to three more still to come (January, February and March 2023).
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