As millions of Brits continue to struggle under the pressure of soaring household, fuel and retail prices, the government are supplying eligible people with financial support. In the run-up to Christmas, there are a number of payments due to be made to people on low income to lessen the blow of the cost of living crisis.
And as temperatures begin to plunge amid skyrocketing energy bills, many will be looking for ways to cut costs and get the extra help they need. Most of the support available however is only for people on Universal Credit and other benefits
The upcoming cash boosts include a cost of living payment worth £324 - which comes as part of a second instalment of the fund, worth a total of £650.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis explains how to make sure your energy bill is right and how to fix it
The extra money will be a warmly welcomed by many after new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made a bombshell announcement this week which saw a massive U-turn on some of Liz Truss' promises, such as the energy price guarantee being cut short.
Here is a list of five payments that you could claim before Christmas, as reported by Hull Live:
Cost of living payment - £324
The first half of this £650 cost of living payment was made earlier this year to an estimated eight million people, as support to those struggling as bills continue to rise.
The second half is scheduled to land in bank accounts next month between November 8 and 23, and will be paid automatically in the bank that people receive their benefits. However those receiving tax credits will be paid after November 23.
People claiming the following benefits are eligible to claim the second cost of living payment which will be worth £324:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
Pensioner cost of living payment - £300
People who get the winter fuel payment are also eligible to apply for the "Pensioner Cost of Living Payment". The payment will be made in November, worth £300. Claimants must apply for both the Winter Fuel Payment and the Pensioner Cost of Living payment, and the requirements are; being born on or before 25 September 1956, and living in the UK for at least one day between the days of 19 to 25 September as this classed as the 'qualifying week'.
Warm Home Discount - £150
The Warm Home Discount is handed out to millions on benefits, and equates to £150 off energy bills between the months of December to March 2023. People who claim any of the following benefits up to August of this year will be able to get the automatic discount:
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
- Pension credit guaranteed
- Pension credit savings credit
Household support fund - up to £150
Across the country there are numerous local councils helping struggling households by giving out some extra money to support bills and essentials. Depending on the are, households can receive up to £150. To qualify for the household support fund, usually you would need to be a recipient of council tax support. You can find your local council using the GOV.UK website and contacting them through there to discuss further.
Cold weather payment - up to £75
With winter arriving soon, people on low-income can get a £25 payment. Some cold weather payments has already been made in places around the UK which have already experienced weather below zero. This is also an automatic payment including for those claiming Universal Credit, and will be determined by each seven-day period of low temperatures between November and March.
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