On 26th May, the Chancellor announced a package of support worth over £15bn to help households with the rise in the cost of living.

This means that almost all households will receive a minimum of £400, with the most vulnerable households given up to £1,200 to help with the cost of living. These payments will be made directly to eligible people across the UK, so claimants don’t need to take any action.

What is included in the support package?

For all households:

All households will get a £400 grant to support with their energy bills from the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

For those on means-tested benefits:

A £650 additional one-off Cost of Living Payment is available for those on means tested benefits.

This includes households receiving the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Pension Credit

Payments will be made in two instalments; the first in July, the second in autumn. Payments for those on tax credits only will be paid close together to avoid duplicate payments.

Claimants will need to be in receipt of one of these benefits, or have begun a claim which is later successful, as of 25 May 2022 to be eligible for the first of the two instalments. This payment will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.

For households claiming disability benefits:

Households claiming disability benefits will receive an additional £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.

This includes households receiving the following benefits:

• Disability Living Allowance (including Child Disability Living Allowance)
• Personal Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• War Pension Mobility Supplement

If you receive means tested benefits and also receive any disability benefits, this £150 will come on top of the £650 payment. These payments will be exempt from tax, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.

Contact our Advice Team today via the form below to get a benefits check, to make sure you are getting everything you’re entitled to.

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