Households struggling with rising bills are being told to check their eligibility
The cost of living could be taking a sharp turn for many UK households. It comes after the conflict in the Middle East triggered the price of oil to skyrocket, with a domino effect meaning this could affect petrol prices, energy bills, grocery costs and more.
However, some people may be entitled to more support than they are receiving. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), your utility suppliers and your local council may offer cost of living support for households struggling to cover the essentials.
Citizens Advice highlighted who is eligible and who to claim your entitlement. Check below to see if you are eligible.
DWP benefits
The DWP can offer far more than the monthly or weekly benefit payments it provides. Claiming your entitlement, even if you only receive a minimal payment, can make you eligible for a range of other support like discounts or grants for essential bills.
There are online benefit checkers available where you can see exactly what you’re entitled to. People who are sick, disabled, on a low income or have caring duties may be eligible for certain benefits.
If you’re struggling with the cost of living and only starting your benefits application now, you may be able to get your first payment early while you’re waiting for your application to be processed. This is known as a short-term benefit advance. Read gov.uk for more.
Advances are available for:
- Universal Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- State Pension
These advances do need to be paid back. Usually the DWP will take deductions from your future benefit payments until the sum is completely returned. The repayments can be spread out over a number of weeks or months depending on which benefit you are claiming.
Suppliers
As energy bills become more of a concern for households, many people may be able to get support straight from their supplier. This can include grants, fuel vouchers or being put onto a social tariff to lower your cost of living.
Some grants can also help make your home more energy efficient by helping with the cost of:
- A new boiler
- Boiler repairs
- Loft or cavity wall insulation
- A heat pump
A number of energy suppliers also provide grants to help people pay off their energy debts. Citizens Advice recommends contacting your supplier directly to see what extra support they can give you.
Local councils
Your local council may be able to help with a range of cost of living support, including fuel vouchers. However, each council may have different offerings and eligibility criteria so it’s best to check your local council’s website for more details.
Councils may also offer ‘Warm Welcome’ spaces that can be used by anyone to provide some respite. Each space is different but Citizens Advice notes that these spaces often provide things like hot food and drinks, activities, community meeting places, access to the internet and computer assistance.
