Cost of Living Payment
Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year. This will be made automatically in two instalments and is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills. Further information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment
Energy Bills Support
£400 will be taken off your energy bill from October if you live in Great Britain. This is an automatic grant, which does not need to be paid back and requires no action.
Disability Cost of Living Support
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs. This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits. Check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment
Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Payments
In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills. This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Energy Bill Price Cap
The energy price cap continues to insulate households from even higher global gas prices, so families continue to pay lower bills for their electricity and gas than they otherwise would without it.
Council Tax Rebate
If you live in Council Tax bands A to D in England you’ll get £150 back from your Council Tax bill (4 out of 5 households in England). For most people the rebate is automatic, however if you don’t pay your Council Tax by direct debit then get in touch with your Council. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/council-tax-rebate-factsheet
Cold Weather Payment
£25 extra a week if you’re getting certain benefits is available during the winter when the temperature is zero or below for more than seven days. Further information here: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
Warm Home Discount
This autumn nearly three million low-income households are eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills. Contact your energy supplier for more information: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/finding-your-energy-supplier-or-network-operator
0% VAT on energy saving materials
It will be cheaper for you to install energy saving materials such as thermal insulation or solar panels with 0% VAT for the next five years, helping to improve energy efficiency in your home and keep heating bills down. Guidance on improving the energy efficiency of your residence can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
Household Support Fund
£1.5 billion has been made available to support the most vulnerable to cover their essential daily costs, like energy bills. Recipients include pensioners and families with children. Contact your Council to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Budgeting Loans
You may be eligible for a Budgeting Loan if you’ve been on certain benefits for 6 months. This can be used for household items, rent in advance and travelling costs. Full eligibility criteria here: https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits
Cheaper Phone and Broadband
You may be eligible to move onto a social tariff if you’re struggling to afford your broadband or phone services. Check with Ofcom to see if you’re eligible: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs
Support with your Water Bill
Many water companies run hardship schemes or fund independent charitable trusts which can help you pay your bills. You can access support here: https://www.ccwater.org.uk/households/help-with-my-bills/
TV Licence Fee Freeze
The TV licence fee has been frozen at £159 until 2024. This means households will not see any change to the licence fee until 1 April 2024. The over 75s can access support here: https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/aged-74-and-over-aud3
