Many Brits will face mounting worries over finances this March as the cost of living crisis continues.
Energy, household, fuel and retail bills remain high, but there is help available for people most in need, largely in the form of financial support from the government. Several one-off cash boosts will be be dished out to eligible people this month.
Last month saw grocery inflation rise to a record high of 17.1 percent, potentially adding £811 to annual household shopping bills. It was also announced that the energy price cap will be reduced from April, from the current £4,279 per year to £3,280 for the average household.
READ MORE: All the major changes affecting your money in March
However domestic energy bills are still set to rise by an average of £500 a year as the Government’s support for households becomes more limited. It might not look like there's much to look forward to money-wise as spring arrives but, there are ways struggling people can get a helping hand, reports NottinghamshireLive.
Below is a list of payments being dished out by the government over the coming weeks for those entitled to it.
Cold Weather Payment
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March - which is when the payment scheme runs from. 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.
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
Check if you can get a payment in your area here.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
You should get a £400 discount to help with your energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023. You do not have to pay this money back. This is called the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS).
All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the discount. You’ll still get the discount if:
- you change your payment method or tariff
- you switch electricity supplier or move to a new address
- your supplier goes bust
- you’re in arrears on your electricity bill payments
The discount will be applied to your household electricity bill for six months starting in October 2022. You’ll get:
- £66 in October and November
- £67 in December, January, February and March
You’ll get the discount monthly, even if you pay for your energy quarterly or use a payment card. It is important to note that this discount is automatic. If you get a message asking for your bank details, this could be a scam. You can report messages you think are suspicious here.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October 2022 and March 2023.
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. It is important to remember that the discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
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."
There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live. If you live in England and Wales, you qualify if you either: get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs. Check here if you’re eligible for the discount online.
You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.
Cost of Living Payment
The government has announced when further Cost of Living Payments will be made between spring 2023 and spring 2024. If you are eligible - including if you're a pensioner or you get low-income or disability benefits - you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.
This includes if you’re found to be eligible for a Cost of Living Payment or a Disability Cost of Living Payment at a later date. The payments are:
- £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
Further guidance will be published when more details have been announced, including the qualifying dates.
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."
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