The government is offering certain people help with the cost of living crisis.
As prices for household costs - such as food, energy and petrol - continue to rise, leaving many people struggling with their bills. High inflation is also making everyday purchases more expensive for many households around the UK.
While several government programmes that were running in February will be coming to an end this month there are other ways that the government are helping. As the weather still predicts snow, even as we begin to head into spring, the government and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are offering extra help to keep the nation warm.
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Here is everything you need to know about some of the financial help you could get in March.
Cold Weather Payment
With snow predicted in areas of the UK across March, some people could still receive payments for "freezing" weather. Until the end of the month, you can receive £25 for every seven days of freezing weather (recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below).
You may qualify if you receive the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Other circumstances can also be considered, such as whether you have young children living with you. If you’re eligible, then the payment should be made automatically.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
The Energy Bills Support Scheme was introduced to help provide relief to households with the cost of energy. You should get a £400 discount to help with your energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023.
£66 should have already been paid to you in October and November while £67 should already have been paid to you in December 2022, as well as January and February 2023. The last of these payments is due this month, in March.
All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the support. It should appear as a discount on your bills or a refund to your bank account.
If you use a prepayment meter, it will either be credited directly to your smart prepayment meter, or you’ll be sent redeemable vouchers by text, email or post, if you’re on a traditional meter. You may also receive an automatic credit when you top up at your usual top-up point.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
For eligible people, a one-off discount of £150 for energy bills is available and should have been applied by the end of the month.
In England and Wales, you qualify if you are:
- In receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- On a low income with high energy costs
While it’s generally applied to your electricity bill, the Gov.uk site said: "You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out."
First 2023 Cost of Living Payment
Early in February, it was announced that over eight million families would continue receiving Cost of Living payments worth £900. The first of these payments, £301, was reported as being paid ‘during Spring 2023’ – meaning it could be paid in March. Eligible parties should receive the payment automatically.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: "These payments are the next part of the significant support we are providing through this challenging time, with millions of vulnerable households receiving £900 directly into their bank accounts this financial year alongside additional help for pensioners and those with disabilities."
The payment schedule is as follows:
- £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
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