Millions of people across Scotland and the UK are due to receive financial aid from the UK Government in the coming months.
The government has confirmed when those eligible for the second instalment of the £650 cost of living payment will get their money. Those due the £324 boost will get the cash starting November 8.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, everyone eligible for the second instalment will receive it between November 8 and November 23.
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The payment is part of the UK Government's plan to help households across the country through the worsening cost of living crisis. With the energy price guarantee resulting in higher energy bills, many households will struggle during the winter months.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng said: "We know that people have been worried about their bills ahead of this winter, which is why we’ve taken decisive action to hold down energy bills, saving the average household around £1,000 a year, and provided £1,200 of targeted support to the most vulnerable.
"Without our intervention, analysts were predicting that the average annual energy bill could have reached £6,500 next year. We were never going to let this happen."
Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith stated: "Millions of families will soon see a £324 cash boost as part of our extensive £1,200 support package, helping to raise incomes and manage the rising cost of living. We understand that people are struggling which is why and we’re committed to supporting the most vulnerable households.
"That’s also why we are focused on driving growth and delivering quality public services so we can continue to support those in need through these challenging times while boosting opportunity for all."
Read on for a full roundup of all of the important payment dates between now and Christmas.
October to March - £400 energy bill rebate
Every household across the UK will get a £400 discount on their energy bills from October 2022 to March 2023. In October and November, households will see a £66 reduction in their bills, while there will be a £67 reduction each month from December to March.
November 8 to 23 - £324 Cost of Living payment
The UK Government has confirmed that the second instalment of the £650 cost of living payment will land in eligible households' bank accounts between November 8 and November 23.
More than 8 million families across Scotland and the UK have already gotten the first £326 instalment, which was paid this summer.
In order to qualify for the second £324 instalment, you must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Those who are eligible for the cash boost will receive it automatically and so do not need to apply.
If you receive Tax Credits and are eligible for the payment, you will get the money at a later date. The DWP states: "Payments from HMRC for those on tax credits only will follow shortly after each to avoid duplicate payments."
November - Winter Fuel Payment plus £300 Pensioner Cost of Living payment
Those who were born on or prior to 25 September, 1956, may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £600 to help cover the cost of energy bills.
You will receive the money automatically if you qualify and receive either the State Pension or another social security benefit (not including Adult Disability Payment from the Scottish Government, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).
If you are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this year, you will also get an additional cost of living payment worth up to £300.
The UK Government states that payments will be issued in November or December, and everyone who is eligible should have received their money by January 13, 2023.
November - Warm Home Discount scheme
The Warm Home Discount scheme will become available this November, and will see qualifying households get a £150 reduction on their energy bills.
The UK Government has stated that an extra 750,000 households will qualify for the discount this year following changes to the eligibility criteria. In order to be get the rebate, you must be eligible for at least one qualifying means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Income Support or Housing Benefit.
The discount will be automatically applied to energy bills by energy providers. Every supplier with over 50,000 customers is involved in the scheme.
Winter - £324 Cost of Living payment for people on Tax Credits
If you are a UK resident receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit from HM Revenue and Customs, you will see your second payment worth £326 land in your bank account in the winter. The DWP has not confirmed an exact date yet.
People on tax credits received their first payment in September, so will not get their second payment until later than those on other benefits.
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