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The UK government has introduced a range of measures to help households deal with the rising cost of living. This support is available to low-income people, those over the state pension age, people with disabilities or health conditions, families with children and other vulnerable groups.
Payments for Low-Income Households: Several direct payments are being made to low-income households in 2023/24:
- Up to £900 in Cost of Living Payments if you claim means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit or tax credits. £301, £300 and £299 payments.
- £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment for those on disability benefits. Paid automatically from June 2023.
- Extra £150 or £300 for pensioners added to their Winter Fuel Payment from November 2023.
You may also qualify for the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments and Household Support Fund through your local council if you receive certain benefits.
Housing Support: If you are over pension age, disabled, unemployed or on a low income, you may be eligible for help with housing costs through Housing Benefit, Pensioner Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element. This can help cover part or all of your rent.
Discretionary Housing Payments are also available short-term for those already getting Housing Benefits or Universal Credit housing cost support. Speak to your local council regarding eligibility.
Help With Bills: All households will receive the Energy Bill Relief Scheme £400 energy discount on their electricity bills between October 2022 and March 2023. Typical household energy bills are also capped at £2,500 annually until April 2023 under the Energy Price Guarantee.
Water bill support is also available from water companies, and the WaterSure scheme caps bills for qualifying households with a meter. Furthermore, discounted phone and broadband social tariffs are available from communications providers if you claim certain benefits.
Benefits for Disability Assistance: Key disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) provide financial support to help offset extra costs arising from long-term illness or disability.
Carer’s Allowance, Access to Work support, Disabled Facilities Grants and the Blue Badge scheme are also available subject to certain eligibility criteria being met.
Help With Health Costs: NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, glasses and travel costs for medical appointments can all be subsidised or provided for free under the NHS Low Income Scheme. Check if you qualify based on your financial situation.
Childcare and Kids: 15-30 hours of free childcare per week is available to parents of 3-4 year olds, with extra support for 2-year-olds from low-income families. Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare support provide further assistance with childcare costs.
Free school meals are provided to school kids from eligible households. Healthy Start vouchers offer help buying essentials like milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins for pregnant women and families with young children.
Managing Finances: Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper and other organisations offer free debt advice, budgeting guidance and money management tips. Seek help early before money worries escalate. Support is also available from mental health charities like Mind for those experiencing anxiety or depression due to financial pressures.
In summary, a wide range of cost-of-living support is available for the most vulnerable groups. Check eligibility for payments, benefits, bills support and other schemes to help get your finances on a steady footing. For tax advice or compliance, please contact Tax Accountant at 0800 135 7323 or email info@taxaccountant.co.uk for expert advice.