This comprehensive list of government backed payments will help you manage your money this year.
With the rise in living costs set to continue, it’s been a challenge for all as we learn how to balance new budgets and rearrange our priorities. However, these one-off payments don’t need to be repaid and can be a welcome relief during a difficult time.
Here’s when you can expect these payments, and how they can help you.
Remember, if you need any money support, contact us and we’ll be on hand to help you where you need it most.
July: £650 Cost of Living Payments (First Payment of £326)
The cost of living payment is intended to support you’re on a low income and receive the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
You will receive two payments of £326 and £324 in 2022. You don’t need to apply; if you are eligible, you’ll be paid in the same way you usually get your benefit payments. There are some exclusions, so be sure to check the eligibility criteria.
September: £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment
If you receive the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
You can also expect a £150 one-off payment in September 2022. The payment is tax exempt, and won’t effect existing benefits.
Autumn: £650 Cost of Living Payments (Second Payment of £324)
If you qualified for the first payment, you can expect to receive the second payment in Autumn 2022.
October: Energy Bills Support Scheme
The Energy Bills Support Scheme intends to help everyone with rising energy costs. All domestic energy customers (that is, people who use energy for their home) will receive a £400 grant from energy suppliers in October 2022. This is to help pay for your energy bills and doesn’t need to be repaid. The £400 grant is eligible for everyone, and there is no need to apply. Your energy supplier will automatically add the deduction to your bill.
November – December: £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
Pensioners are the most impacted when it comes to higher energy bills. As a result, all pensioner households will receive an extra £300 to help them cover the rising energy costs this winter. This payment will be a top-up for the annual Winter Fuel Payment in November/December 2022 and will be directly paid to households by the government.
November – December: Winter Fuel Payments
Winter Fuel Payments will provide £200 for households with someone of State Pension Age, or £300 for Households with someone aged 80 or over.
November 2022 – March 2023: Cold Weather Payments
If you’re in receipt of certain benefits, and the average temperature in your areas drops to zero degrees celsius, you could receive £25 a week in cold weather payments. The temperature would need to remain at zero degrees celsius for 7 consecutive days, and £25 will be paid for each 7 day period. For example, if the weather remained the same for a 14 day period, you would receive £50.
For Parents: Tax-free childcare
Since 2010, the government has doubled the amount of free childcare for eligible working parents of 3–4-year-olds. It has increased from 15 to 30 hours per week, which works out to be around £5,000 per child, per year. They have also introduced tax-free childcare, giving working parents up to £500 every 3 months for each child. This can amount to £2,000 of childcare support a year (£4,000 for disabled children).
For Savers: Help to Save
The Help to Save scheme is a brand new savings account to help you look after the pennies and collect the pounds. If you receive working tax credit, or universal credit, you can get a bonus of 50p for every pound you save over four years. This bonus is paid in a lump sum, into the savings account, at the end of the second and fourth year. As a government backed saving scheme, all savings are secure.
Need extra support as you’re balancing the budgets this year? Get in touch with our Money Solutions Team who can help you make the most of your income, make sure you’re receiving the benefits you’re entitled to, and much more.