Benefits update: Why haven’t I received the first cost of living payment? | Personal Finance | Finance
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the first instalment of the cost of living package was due to be paid to eight million Britons on Universal Credit and means tested benefits from July 14. Yet millions of Britons still haven’t received their money.
Cost of living support payments – how much will I get?
In total, some households could be due £1,200 worth of help if they receive means tested benefits.
A pensioner who qualifies for all of the help available will receive £1,500.
Families who don’t receive benefits will get £400 discounted automatically off their energy bills.
Most households are also due a £150 council tax rebate if people live in a band A to D property.
Meanwhile, £15billlion is lost in unclaimed DWP benefits every year.
Pensioners, in particular, are missing out of vital financial support which is rightfully theirs.
Almost one million (850,000) older people are missing out on Pension Credit payments which could lead to help with housing costs.
Pension Credit is also a gateway benefit to help with energy bills and potentially a free TV licence.
Pension Credit claimants should be entitled to:
- Reduced council tax bills
- Capped water bills
- Free bus pass
- Free prescriptions
- Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
- £25 in Cold Weather Payments
- Free dental treatment
- Eye tests and discounted glasses
- Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000) to make changes to a home
- Homeowners can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for a boiler
- Homeowners can get help to pay for double glazing as part of the Green Homes Scheme
- Up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments
- Free wigs or fabric support provided by the NHS
- Free health travel costs
- Help with housing costs
- Help with funeral costs
- Bereavement support payments
- Reduced court fees.
