Millions eligible for £1,300 cost of living payment next year
Martin Lewis shares his 'rule of thumb' for claiming benefits
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During 2022, the Government has rolled out various cost of living payments for those it considers financially vulnerable amid. The UK is currently experiencing soaring energy bills and record high inflation which is placing unprecedented pressure on households. With this economic crisis likely to continue into next year, the Government is continuing much of its existing support and raising the payment rate for others.
What payments are available?
Next year, those in receipt of means-tested benefit payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may be able to claim £900 in support.
Eligibility for these types of DWP benefits is often dependant on whether the claimant is on low income and needs financial aid.
Throughout the past year, the Government has rolled out a similar £600 cost of living payment for those on means-tested payments which has been split into two.
It is yet unknown how this upcoming payment in 2023 will be delivered but its rate has been increased significantly.
Among the qualifying DWP means-tested benefit payments for this £900 cost of living payment, include:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit.
As well as this, the Government has also promised to offer additional support for those with a disability and pensioners.
The latter group will be able to receive a £300 cost of living payment in 2023, while people with disabilities shall get £150.
Similar payments were introduced earlier this year to assist these demographics with rising costs at the same rate.
Adding the payments for means-tested benefit claimants, pensioners and the disabled, the Government is offering households the chance to be in receipt of up to £1,300.
While many experts have praised the Government’s action, others have urged for more intervention to take place amid the growing cost of living during the Christmas period.
Steven McIntosh, the executive director of Advocacy and Communications at Macmillan Cancer Support, outlined why he believes Mr Sunak’s Government should prioritise raising benefit payments in the short term.
Mr McIntosh explained: “The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement will have made for worrying watching for many people living with cancer as they grapple with the cost of living and rising bills.
“This comes on top of the additional financial burden already caused by a cancer diagnosis, which reaches an average of almost £900 a month for those affected.
“There is no early Christmas gift here. The UK Government is right to increase benefits in line with inflation, but many cannot wait until April to see their income rise.
“Winter is coming, energy bills and inflation are soaring and many people with cancer are struggling to make ends meet.
“The Government must act with urgency and ensure benefits are uprated immediately.”
The £900, £300 and £150 cost of living payments will be rolled out next year at yet undisclosed dates.
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