DWP cost of living support as families could be due help with bills | Personal Finance | Finance
The Department for Work and Pensions, energy suppliers and local authorities may provide financial aid to families grappling with essential expenditure. Citizens Advice has detailed eligibility criteria and the claims process for those entitled to support.
Benefits
DWP benefits can deliver far more than simply regular payments. Even modest entitlements can unlock access to additional support including reductions or grants towards vital household bills. Online benefit calculators exist to help establish precisely what you can claim. Those who are unwell, have disabilities, earn below certain thresholds or have caring duties may be entitled to specific benefits.
Should you be struggling with living expenses and are just now submitting a benefits claim, you may be able to obtain your initial payment sooner whilst your case is assessed. This is known as a short-term benefit advance.
Advances are available for:
- Universal Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- State Pension
These sums must be paid back. Generally, the DWP will subtract portions from your future benefit payments until the entire amount has been settled.
The repayments can be spread over multiple weeks or months, depending on the benefit you’re claiming. Read more on gov.uk.
Suppliers
With household energy bills continuing to climb, many people may qualify for help directly from their energy company. This might include grants, fuel vouchers, or being moved onto a social tariff to help cut your living costs.
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
Several energy companies also provide grants to help people clear their energy arrears. Citizens Advice recommends getting in touch with your supplier directly to find out what extra assistance they can provide.
Local councils
Your local authority can help with a range of cost of living support schemes, including fuel vouchers. However, every council may have different offerings and eligibility criteria, so it’s worth checking your local authority’s website for more details.
Local councils may also offer ‘Warm Welcome’ venues open to all members of the public in need of shelter. Whilst each venue differs, Citizens Advice points out that these facilities often provide services like hot meals and drinks, organised activities, communal gathering spaces, internet access and IT support.
