Household costs
Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year, paid automatically in two instalments.
The first payment of £326 was made in summer. The second payment of £324 will be made by DWP to eligible customers between 8 and 23 November, and by HMRC between 23 and 30 November (to customers receiving tax credits only and no other eligible DWP benefits).
This is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills.
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Disability Cost of Living Payment
From 20th September, 6 million people who are paid certain disability benefits will receive an automatic one-off £150 payment. The payment will help disabled people with the rising Cost of Living acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
Check if you’re eligible for the Disability Cost of Living Payment
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
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.
Check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
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.
More information on the Council Tax rebate
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.
Local authorities can also issue food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Get help with the cost of living from your 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.
Check if you’re eligible for a Budgeting Loan
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 the Ofcom website to see if you can switch to a social tariff
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Help paying your Water Bill
Many water companies run hardship schemes or fund independent charitable trusts which can help you pay your bills.
Get support paying your Water Bill
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.
Find out more information on free TV Licence for over 75‘s
Get help with all or part of your rent
You may get help with all or part of your rent.
There’s no set amount of housing costs support and what you get will depend on whether you rent privately or from a council or housing association.
Use a benefits calculator to find out if you can get benefits to help pay your rent
Universal Credit if you’re unemployed or on low income
If you and/or your partner are responsible for paying rent for the home you live in, or if you have a mortgage, Universal Credit may provide help towards the cost.
Check if you are eligible for Universal Credit
Housing benefit
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are state pension age or you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation
Check if you are eligible for Housing Benefit
Support for additional housing costs
You may be able to get support for additional housing costs if you’re already claiming Housing Benefit.
Contact your local Council to find out what support you can get
Council Tax support schemes
Councils run support schemes to help people on low incomes with their Council Tax bill.
Contact your local Council to find out what support is available
Discretionary Housing Payments
If you are on certain benefits you may be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments which provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs.
Check if you’re eligible for a discretionary housing payment
Get help with interest payments on mortgages or loans
If you’re a homeowner on qualifying benefits, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage or loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home.
Check if you’re eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest
95% mortgages for homes up to £600,000
You may be eligible to borrow up to 95% of the cost of a property worth up to £600,000 thanks to the mortgage guarantee scheme.
Contact mortgage providers to see if you’re eligible.
WGC+ Partner Offer
WGC+ provides employee assistance and engagement to our collegues and their families and friends. Working with the world's leading brands, WGC+ provides the best avialable discounts, offers and employee wellbeing opportunities.
Find out more at www.wgc.ltd.uk/plus