A raft of new cost of living support payments have been announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as part of a £26 billion package of financial support to help millions of households across the UK cope with soaring energy bills and rising inflation.
More than eight million households on means-tested benefits will receive an additional cost of living payment of £900, expected to be paid over two instalments in 2023-24. The qualifying benefits remain the same as those for the £650 cost of living payment made to eligible households in July (£326) and again this month (£324), which means thousands of unpaid carers will not directly receive the support.
However, people claiming Carer’s Allowance may be part of a household where someone on a means-tested benefit does qualify for the £900 payment. The support will be delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
