Households Urged to Check Eligibility for Winter Support Schemes
- Date: 2024-11-01 11:40
- Source: GOV UK
Millions of households are being urged to check if they are eligible for government support schemes this winter, as the cost of living continues to rise.
The government has announced a range of measures to help people with the rising cost of energy, food and other essentials, including:
- A £400 discount on energy bills for all households
- A one-off £650 payment for households on means-tested benefits
- A £300 payment for pensioners who receive Winter Fuel Payments
- A £150 payment for disabled people who receive Disability Living Allowance
- An increase in the Warm Home Discount to £300 for eligible households
To receive the £400 energy bill discount, households do not need to take any action. The discount will be applied automatically to energy bills from October 2024.
However, households must apply for the other support schemes. The deadline for applications is November 24, 2024.
To apply for the £650 payment, households must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits
To apply for the £300 payment, pensioners must be receiving Winter Fuel Payments.
To apply for the £150 payment, disabled people must be receiving Disability Living Allowance.
The government estimates that around 8 million households will be eligible for the £650 payment, 11 million households will be eligible for the £400 energy bill discount, and 4 million pensioners will be eligible for the £300 payment.
The government is urging all eligible households to check if they are receiving the support they are entitled to.
How to Apply
To apply for the £650 payment, households can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 998 8844 or visit the DWP website: www.gov.uk/cost-of-living-payment
To apply for the £300 payment, pensioners can call the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.
To apply for the £150 payment, disabled people can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 121 4433 or visit the DWP website: www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance
Additional Help
In addition to the government support schemes, there are a range of other organizations that can provide help with the cost of living.
These include:
- Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
- National Debtline: www.nationaldebtline.org/
- StepChange: www.stepchange.org/
These organizations can provide advice on managing your finances, reducing your energy bills, and getting help with other essential costs.
Households urged to check eligibility for winter support schemes
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