Support with rising living costs: Supplement to Saving Energy and Money Guide

Cost of Living Payment

The Government have made available up to £900 for people receiving certain means-tested benefits. You do not need to apply, so if you're eligible, payments will be made automatically in three instalments, and separately from your benefit payments. The Government advises these payments are tax-free and will not affect the benefits you receive.

Two payments have already been made during both spring and summer, with the last instalment due to be made during spring 2024.

You may be eligible if you receive any of the following benefits or tax credits:

• Child or working tax credits

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income support

• Pension credit

• Universal credit

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

If you're a pensioner receiving the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024, your household will receive an extra one-off payment of £150 or £300 this year to help you cover the rising cost of energy this winter.

The tax-free payment will be made as a top-up to your annual Winter Fuel Payment in November/December and for most households, will be paid by direct payment. The payment does not affect eligibility for other benefits.