Thousands of families are facing rising goods and energy prices, inflation and cost of living pressures. Here is a list of living support you could be eligible for. If you are worried about your finances, making payments on bills or your rent – you can contact us here at Cadwyn and we will help you. We understand that this is a really stressful and anxious time for many people – please don’t go through this alone.
Cost of Living Payment – Summer and Autumn 2022
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, one in summer and another in the autumn, and is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills.
Find out more information here
Disability Cost of Living Payment – from September 2022
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: November – December 2022
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
Cold Weather Payments – November 2022 – March 2023
If you’re in receipt of certain benefits, and the average temperature in your areas drops to zero degrees celsius, you could receive £25 a week in cold weather payments. The temperature would need to remain at zero degrees celsius for 7 consecutive days, and £25 will be paid for each 7 day period. For example, if the weather remained the same for a 14 day period, you would receive £50.
Other support available
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 local Council to check if you’re eligible for the Household Support Fund
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
Help paying your Water Bill
Many water companies run hardship schemes or fund independent charitable trusts which can help you pay your bills.
Parents or carers with children of school age who receive free school meals, could also get help with their water bill.
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
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
