We’re all worried about rising prices and the pressure that puts on household budgets. The UK Government is providing a range of extra support which will be paid to eligible individuals automatically:
•£650 Cost of Living payment for most people on means tested benefits, payable in two instalments from July (£326) and this autumn (£324).
•Households in England, Wales and Scotland will receive a £400 discount to help with the cost of their energy bill from October onwards.
•£300 Pensioner Cost of Living payment that will be paid with Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioner households across the UK.
•£150 Disability Cost of Living payment for those on an eligible UK disability benefit, in September.
•In England, there’s a £150 Council Tax rebate for 80% of households, which most households should have already received. If you live in an eligible property and you do not pay your council tax by direct debit, your local council will contact you with details of how to claim.
Depending on where you live in the UK, there are different schemes that could help support your household finances:
•Help with your bills: such as low-cost home internet and phone packages available from providers, hardship schemes from water companies, and theUK Government funded Household Support Fund available from local councils to help with essential costs.
•Help with childcare: £2,000 a year of tax free childcare is available to eligible families to help with the cost of childcare.
•Help with housing: council tax support available from local councils, help with rent and mortgage interest payments, and housing benefits are available from the UK Government.
•Help with your income: personalised job support is available through Job Help, tax relief and work-related expenses can be claimed from HMRC
•Help with managing finances: MoneyHelper.org.uk offers impartial guidance and a range of tools to help make your money and pension choices clearer.
You can find out what other support is available at gov.uk/helpforhouseholds
