When will Universal Credit claimants will get cost of living payment | Personal Finance | Finance
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that eight million Britons on the lowest incomes will receive £1,200 in cost of living payments from the Government. The first £326 will start to land in people’s bank accounts from July 14, but there’s more to come.
Millions of Britons rely on state benefits either because they can’t afford to work or are on a low income.
Last month the Chancellor announced they would be receiving extra help to help them pay for soaring energy bills.
Many cash strapped Britons on Universal Credit will be eagerly awaiting the first payment which they will receive on, or shortly after, July 14.
However, there’s more help to come with the most vulnerable in line to receive £1,200 over the next few months.
READ MORE: Council Tax: Millions could cut their Council Tax bill by hundreds
Separate one-off payments of £300 will be made to pensioner households during the colder months to help with heating costs.
People on disability benefits will also receive an extra £150 as these groups are most vulnerable to rising prices.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We have a responsibility to protect those who are paying the highest price for rising inflation, and we are stepping up to help.
“In July, more than eight million people will get their first £326 payment to help with rising prices, as part of a package worth at least £1,200 for vulnerable families. I said we would stand by people when they needed help, and we are.”
The cost of living payments aren’t the only financial help people on benefits can apply for.
Millions of Britons who receive Universal Credit, legacy benefits and Pension Credit could claim thousands of pounds worth of cash.
Nearly a million (850,000) older people don’t apply for Pension Credit which would entitle them to help with housing costs, a free TV licence and money towards energy bills.
Universal Credit claimants can also apply for a budgeting loan worth up to £812, if they are a couple with children.
Universal Credit is a gateway to 30 additional forms of financial support such as:
- Reduced council tax bills
- Capped water bills
- Half price bus
- Discounted rail fares
- Free or discounted gym membership
- Help with new job costs
- Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
- £25 in Cold Weather Payments
- Free or cheap broadband from TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT
- Cheap BT phone calls
- Free prescriptions for people with zero income or those on a low income
- Free dental treatment
- Eye tests and discounted glasses
- Free school transport
- Free school meals
- Discounted childcare costs
- £150 towards school uniforms – dependent on the local authority
- £1,200 free cash as part of the Government’s Help to Save scheme
- Food vouchers for kids as part of the Healthy Start scheme
- Maternity grant up to £1,000
- 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.
