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Sponsored contentA study by Motorway, the used-car marketplace, reveals that 6.3 million Brits have accepted a bad deal when selling their car. Those accepting bad deals did so out of convenience, ultimately losing them money from the sale. What's more, 3.5 million...

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Check out today's fuel prices in your area. Click here to compare and find the latest rates for petrol and diesel on PetrolPrices.com

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The official MoD discount service for the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community

Register now More about us

Defence Discount Service provides discounts both online and on the high street for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community.

Defence Discount Service is home of the Defence Privilege Card, the vetted discount card that can be used in stores, restaurants and venues to obtain armed forces discounts. This discount card allows Veterans and the Armed Forces Community to have a card that can allow them to receive military discounts.

Who qualifies?

Serving Armed Forces

Reserve Forces

Spouses/Partners of serving personnel

HM Armed Forces Veterans (ex serving)

MoD Civil Servants

Bereaved Family Members

War/Service Widow(er)s

Cadet Forces (over 16)

NATO Personnel in the UK

Save on the high street with the Defence Privilege Card.

Support our Armed Forces Community by adding an offer free of charge

24 May 2024

Father's Day - when dads nationwide receive enough mugs and socks to last a lifetime!

As the date fast approaches, we've rounded up some of our favourite savings on all types of gifts to give to...

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08 May 2024

Permanently entering civvy street can be a scary time for anyone leaving the Armed Forces.

Once you decide it's time to leave - after years of loyal service to King and country - the next step mig...

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25 April 2024

With savings on the essentials becoming increasingly important for the Blue Light community, we spoke to personal finance journalist, Ruth Jackson-Kirby.

Here are eight tried and tested ways to cu...

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25 April 2024

As energy prices start to fall, Defence Discount Service members will be looking to save as much as they can on their household costs - which might mean switching to a fixed price energy deal.

To ...

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21 March 2024

Say goodbye to shorter days and hello to sunshine... spring is coming!

To mark the occasion, spring into savings action with our first-ever Big Saver Weekend.
What is the Big Saver Weekend?
T...

Read More

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The Defence Discount Service is the official Ministry of Defence discount service. Forces discounts for the Armed Forces, their families and Veterans

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Budget Planner | Free online budget planning tool | MoneyHelper

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Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

Check benefits and financial support you can get

Answer a few questions to find out what support you might be able to get to help with living costs if you live in the UK. Check benefits and financial support you can get.

Scams

You may get calls, emails or messages that are pretending to be from a government service or an energy bill support scheme. If you get a message asking for your personal details (for example, bank details or passwords) this could be a scam. Report anything you think is suspicious.

Support available in England

This guide covers cost of living support available in England.

Support with income

Find out what support is available to help increase your income. This includes the Cost of Living Payment, Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance.

Support with bills and costs

Find out what support is available to help with bills and costs. This includes support with utility bills, support from your local council and Council Tax Reduction.

If you're 60 or over

Find out what support is available if you're 60 or over. This includes Pension Credit, discounted travel and how to check your State Pension.

If you're disabled or have a health condition

Find out what support is available if you're disabled or have a health condition. This includes disability benefits, the Disability Cost of Living Payment and support with prescriptions and health costs.

Childcare and maternity costs

Find out what support is available with childcare and maternity costs. This includes free childcare hours and free school meals.

Managing money

Find advice for managing money, including budgeting advice and debt support.

If you're finding things difficult

Find support if money worries are impacting your mental health or you're affected by domestic abuse.

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Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living: income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

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This page will be updated when more information is available. Check back for updates or sign up for email alerts.

Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024

The government has announced when further Cost of Living Payments will be made between spring 2023 and spring 2024. These payments are:

up to £900 for people on an eligible low income benefit

£300 for pensioner households

£150 for people on an eligible disability benefit

Further guidance will be published when more details have been announced, including the qualifying dates.

You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you're getting certain benefits or tax credits.

You do not need to apply. You'll be paid automatically.

If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.

If you're eligible, you'll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. This includes if you're found to be eligible for a Cost of Living Payment or a Disability Cost of Living Payment at a later date.

You could get up to 3 different types of payment depending on your circumstances on a particular date or during a particular period:

a Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying low income benefit or tax credits

a Disability Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying disability benefit

a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, if you're entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023

These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you get.

Low income benefits and tax credits

You may get a payment of £650 paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324 if you get payments of any of the following:

Universal Credit

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Income Support

Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit

The payment will be made separately from your benefit.

You will not get a payment if you get New Style Employment and Support Allowance, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or New Style Jobseeker's Allowance, unless you get Universal Credit.

If you have a joint claim with a partner, you will get one payment of £326 and one payment of £324 for your joint claim, if you're entitled.

Universal Credit

You were eligible for the first Cost of Living Payment of £326 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022.

You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022.

The payment will be made separately from your benefit.

Universal Credit 'nil awards'

You will not be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment if your Universal Credit is reduced to £0 for the qualifying assessment period. This is sometimes called a 'nil award'. Reasons your Universal Credit may be reduced to £0 for an assessment period include getting more than one payment of earnings, your or your partner's earnings go up, your or your partner's savings go up, you start getting another benefit.

If money has also been taken off for other reasons (such as payments of rent to your landlord or for money that you owe), you might still be eligible.

Income-based JSA, income-based ESA, Income Support and Pension Credit

You were eligible for the first Cost of Living Payment of £326 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022.

You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022.

The payment will be made separately from your benefit.

Tax credits

You were eligible for the first Cost of Living Payment of £326 if you received, or later receive, for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022 either:

a payment of tax credits for the tax year 2022 to 2023

an annual award of at least £26 of tax credits for the tax year 2022 to 2023

You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you received, or later receive, for any day in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022 either:

a payment of tax credits for the tax year 2022 to 2023

an annual award of at least £26 of tax credits for the tax year 2022 to 2023

If you get both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, you will receive a Cost of Living Payment for Child Tax Credit only, which will be paid by HMRC.

If you get tax credits from HMRC and a low income benefit from DWP, you will get a Cost of Living Payment from DWP only.

When you'll be paid

Benefit or tax credits

Cost of Living Payment

When you'll be paid

Income-based JSA

£326

Between 14 and 31 July 2022 for most people

Income-related ESA

£326

Between 14 and 31 July 2022 for most people

If you had a joint claim between 26 April and 25 May 2022, a single payment of £326 will be sent using the same payment method used between these dates, if you're eligible.

If you had a joint claim between 26 August and 25 September 2022, a single payment of £324 will be sent using the same payment method used between these dates, if you're eligible.

Your payment might come later, for example if you are awarded a qualifying benefit at a later date or you change the account your benefit or tax credits are paid into. You will still be paid the Cost of Living Payment automatically and do not need to contact DWP or HMRC.

If you have received a Cost of Living Payment, but we later find that you were not eligible for it, you may have to pay it back.

DWP and HMRC are using a computer program to identify those eligible to receive a Cost of Living Payment. If you are not content with this you can contact the office that pays your benefit or tax credits to discuss it.

Disability Cost of Living Payment

You may get a lump sum payment of £150 if you're getting any of the following:

Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance

Disability Living Allowance for adults

Disability Living Allowance for children

Personal Independence Payment

Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)

Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)

Armed Forces Independence Payment

War Pension Mobility Supplement

Eligibility

You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for 25 May 2022 to get the payment.

If you get a qualifying disability benefit from the Ministry of Defence ( MOD) and a qualifying disability benefit from DWP, you will get a Disability Cost of Living Payment from DWP only.

If you receive a Disability Cost of Living Payment, but we later find that you were not eligible for it, you may have to pay it back.

When you'll get paid

You'll be paid the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment automatically from 20 September 2022. Most people will receive their payment by the beginning of October 2022.

Payments will be made to people who get a qualifying disability from DWP before payments to people who get a qualifying benefit from the Ministry of Defence.

Report a missing Cost of Living Payment

You can report a missing Cost of Living Payment if you think you should have had one of the following payments but you cannot see it in your bank, building society or credit union account:

£326 or £324 Cost of Living Payment for a low income benefit

£150 Disability Cost of Living Payment

Do not report the same missing payment more than once. We will reply to you as soon as we can.
Report a missing Cost of Living Payment
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

If you're entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £150 or £300 paid with your normal payment from November 2022. This is in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you get with your benefit or tax credits.

The full amount of Winter Fuel Payment you will get for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances.

Other help

Find out what other benefits and financial support you might be able to get to help with your living costs.

Use an independent benefits calculator to find out what benefits you could get.

You may be able to get other kinds of support, including:

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This page will be updated when more information is available. Check back for updates or sign up for email alerts. The government has announced when further Cost of Living Payments will be made between spring 2023 and spring 2024.

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Temporary change to ongoing consumption requests

For one year from 1 April 2022 energy suppliers can no longer request new deductions or increased payments from a claimant's benefit to pay for ongoing fuel consumption.

Claimants can still request deductions for ongoing consumption payments if they choose to do so, or increase any existing payments.

The reason for this change is to give claimants greater control over what could be significant deductions from their benefit during a period of unprecedented energy prices.

What is a third party deduction

The third party deduction scheme is designed to protect claimants in receipt of income-related benefits. Third party deductions for fuel debt is sometimes called 'Fuel Direct'. It is used when a claimant has arrears of essential household outgoings. Other methods to recover the debt must have been tried, for example negotiating different ways of paying and managing bills. There must be a real possibility of enforcement action before consideration is given to applying for a deduction .

Why a third party deduction is taken

Third party deductions act as a safety-net to protect claimants when they have debts for essential household bills.

Fuel suppliers should take reasonable action to recover the arrears before applying for deductions.

The following benefits may have a third party deduction:

How the scheme works

We deduct a fixed amount towards the arrears. This is legislated for in Schedule 9 of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987. The amount is deducted from the individual's benefit at source and paid directly to the supplier until the debt is cleared.

The benefit claimant can also ask for an additional amount to be deducted to cover current consumption costs. This is to prevent further debt accruing and to help the claimant with budgeting.

Where an individual pays for their on-going consumption by use of a pre-payment meter, only an arrears deduction may be taken.

Once a debt is paid off, a third party deduction will usually end. In some cases where the individual repeatedly mismanages their money, a deduction may continue to cover on-going costs.

Where there is more than one debt, we can take a maximum of 3 deductions at any one time. DWP will apply the priority order when more than 3 applications are made.

For changes to current usage we will change the amount deducted based on the current amount used by the claimant based on a meter reading, but not for an amount based on an estimate.

Debts covered by the scheme

The types of debt covered by the scheme are rated in a priority order. This reflects the degree of risk to the individual or their family by the enforcement action that may result from non-payment. The order is:

1. housing costs for specific mortgage arrears

2. miscellaneous accommodation costs; care homes, private hospitals

3. hostel charges

4. rent arrears, including service charges

5. mains fuel costs; gas and electricity

6. water charges; water then sewerage if two debts

7. Council Tax and community charge arrears

8. fines

9. Child Support Maintenance under the old scheme

10. refugee integration loans

11. eligible loans

What can be included in the debt

The total debt may include any legal or other costs incurred to recover the arrears, and any re-connection charges.

Who can apply

Two groups can apply to the scheme:

the claimant or their representatives can apply for deductions to pay for arrears and current consumption

the creditor or their billing agent can apply for deductions to pay for arrears only

If a claimant wants to pay ongoing consumption but has no arrears deduction in place, they must contact the office that pays their benefit.

Use the industry standard application form from Ofgem to apply for a third party deduction. Please contact Ofgem if you don't know how to find your application form or if you don't already have one.

Send the completed form to the DWP office that deals with the claimant's benefits. The claimant's benefit award letter contains this information.

Content of the application

We must be able to identify the claimant from the details on the application for deductions. It should include the following where possible:

claimant's name

address

date of birth

National Insurance number, if known, although applications will be accepted without this

name and address of the creditor making the application

the AP number of the creditor

the customer reference number

type of benefit being paid to the claimant, if known

other payment methods which have been tried

amount of the debt

any figure to cover current consumption

We may need further information before making a decision, normally where the claimant has made the application, for example:

the amount of the debt

the weekly current consumption costs

any other information needed to process the application including details of:

the claimant's identity on the bill

an application for a charitable trust grant

a different tariff if needed

Consent for deductions

Most third party deductions are imposed but there are some occasions where consent is needed from the individual. This applies where the total amount of all deductions including any amounts to cover current costs, exceeds 25% of the main benefit, including any Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit in payment. We will identify these cases and ask for consent. Consent only applies for the following debt types:

housing cost arrears not covered by the Mortgage Interest Direct scheme

rent and service charges

fuel costs

water charges

integration loans

eligible loans

How we decide if a third party deduction is appropriate

We will consider:

if the individual is receiving one of the specified benefits in section 2

if there is a threat of enforcement action

if there are outstanding arrears

if the individual or their partner is liable for the debt - an individual or their partner will normally be liable for the debt if named on the bill; there may be occasions where we cannot make third party deductions, for instance deductions may not be made if the debt is the responsibility of a partner who has left the household

if a deduction is in the interests of the family

if the individual will be left with sufficient amount of benefit (10p benefit) to qualify for other linked benefits such as prescriptions, Housing Benefit and local Council Tax Reduction

if the debt takes priority over other debts - if there are already 3 other deductions for arrears in place, we will check the priority list in section 4; if the new request is for a higher priority debt, the lowest priority deduction will be stopped

if consent is needed - if so, we will take action to ask the claimant for their consent

Payments

Payment is made into a nominated bank account every 4 weeks in arrears. It may take up to 6 weeks before the first payment is received. We can take a maximum of 3 deductions at any one time.
Information on payment queries

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A guide for energy suppliers ('Fuel Direct')

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For one year from 1 April 2022 energy suppliers can no longer request new deductions or increased payments from a claimant's benefit to pay for ongoing fuel consumption. Claimants can still request deductions for ongoing consumption payments if they choose to do so, or increase any existing payments.

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£150 disability Cost of Living payments to be made from 20 September 2022

6 million people who are paid certain disability benefits will benefit

Automatic support part of wider package of help with the rising Cost of Living, including other cost of living payments totalling £650

Those being paid a qualifying disability benefit will be paid automatically from 20 September, with the vast majority of those eligible expected to receive their one-off payment within a couple of weeks by the beginning of October.

The payment will help disabled people with the rising Cost of Living acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.

For those disabled people on low-incomes, this payment comes on top of other Cost of Living payments totalling £650, £400 for all households to help with energy bills, and an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England.

Over eight million eligible households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of two automatic Cost of Living payments of £326 from 14 July. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith said:

We know disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable.

This £150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 most low income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support targeted at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs.

We know it's a worrying time for some people and I'd urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by searching Help for Households.

The Cost of Living payments from the government are part of a £37 billion package of support, which will see millions of households receive at least £1,200 this year to help cover rising costs.

The government has also expanded support for the Household Support Fund in England - which helps people with food and energy bills - with an extra £421 million - for October 2022 to March 2023, and topped up funding by £79 million for devolved nations; the total value of this support now stands at £1.5 billion.

This is all in addition to changes to the Universal Credit taper rate and work allowances worth £1,000 a year on average for 1.7 million working claimants, a rise in the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour, and a tax cut for around 30 million workers through a rise in National Insurance contribution thresholds.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi said:

We know that rising prices faced by many countries around the world are a significant worry for many people here in the UK, especially those most vulnerable to additional costs.

Today's announcement that disabled people will begin to receive an additional £150 payment from the end of September reinforces our commitment to help UK households through the challenging times ahead.

This payment is in addition to further help households can expect over the coming months - including a second cost of living payment of £324 for households on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioners this winter and £400 discount on energy bills for every household. This is all part of our significant £37 billion support package.

Additional information

Those who receive the following disability benefits may be eligible for the one-off payment of £150 in September: Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment), Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.

Those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May are expected to be paid shortly after the payment window opens. For those awaiting confirmation of their disability benefits on 25 May, or who are waiting to be assessed for eligibility to receive disability benefits, the process may take longer but payments will still be automatic.

You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for 25 May 2022 to get the payment.

You can read more about the government's Cost of Living support on the Help with the cost of living page.

Media enquiries for this press release - 0115 965 8781

Follow DWP on:

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6 million disabled people to get Cost of Living payment from 20 September 2022

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Around 6 million disabled people in the UK will receive their one-off £150 disability Cost of Living payment from 20 September, the government has confirmed today.

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Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. This site will help you understand what Universal Credit means for you.

If you are currently claiming other benefits why not use an independent benefits calculator to see if you could be better off on Universal Credit? You can check with a local benefits advisor to find out what you could be entitled to with Advice Local.

It is important to also get independent advice before you apply. You can find out more about Universal Credit on this site. If you're ready to make a claim, visit How to Claim.

If you are in Northern Ireland, visit
Universal Credit / NI Direct.

If you are fleeing from Ukraine, visit
Support for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

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Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. This site will help you understand what Universal Credit means for you.

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Smart About Money (SAM) utilized 13 online self-directed courses, articles, calculators and tips to help adults seeking general financial education on common economic situations, including spending, saving and investing. SAM also utilized the Lifevalues Quiz and Financial Identity Quiz, which allowed users to learn more about their financial knowledge.

Smart About Money retired on July 31, 2021. Learn more about this decision.

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Are you Smart About Money? Take NEFE's personal evaluation quizzes to see where you can improve in your financial literacy.

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Is your new year's resolution to stop wasting money? Get on top of your spending? Start saving the big bucks? If it is, then you're in the right place! Let us help you to have a new perspective on your finances going into 2022...

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Forces Finance - Credit Union Savings and Loans for UK Armed Forces

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Forces Finance makes it easy to save and borrow at low rates, deducted directly from from your armed forces salary. Non-profit credit union.

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Feeling low or anxious is a normal response when you've lost your job, been made redundant, or you're struggling with debt.
You may be feeling, behaving or thinking in ways that are unfamiliar. But that does not necessarily mean you've got depression or an anxiety disorder.

How to survive financial stress

Stay active

Keep seeing your friends, keep your CV up to date, and try to keep paying the bills. If you have more time because you're not at work, do some form of exercise - physical activity can improve your mood if you're feeling low.

Get advice

If you're going into debt, get advice on how to prioritise your debts. When people feel anxious, they sometimes avoid talking to others. Some people can lose their confidence about driving or travelling. If this starts to happen, facing these situations will generally make them easier.

Do not drink too much alcohol

For some people with money worries, alcohol can become a problem. You may drink more than usual as a way of dealing with your emotions or just to fill in time. But alcohol will not help you deal with your problems and could add to your stress.
Get tips on how to cut down on alcohol
Do not give up your daily routine

Get up at your normal time and stick to your usual routine. If you lose your routine, it can affect your eating - you may stop cooking, miss breakfast because you're still in bed, or eat snacks instead of having proper meals.
Find out how to eat a balanced diet

More help for money problems

GOV.UK has information about a range of work and money-related issues including:

Finding a new job

GOV.UK also has a lot of information and advice if you're looking for work, including tips on writing a CV, planning your job hunt and applying for jobs online.

Coping with debt

Citizens Advice is a good place to get information about benefits, how to deal with debt, what you're entitled to if you're made redundant and who to speak to if you're at risk of losing your home.

Other organisations offering helpful advice online include:

Mental health and money

The charity Mind has a money and mental health section on its website, which includes advice on how to manage debt.

Mental Health & Money Advice offers information and advice for anyone struggling with money because of mental illness, or whose financial situation is affecting their mental health.

When you should get medical help

Most people who experience emotional distress find that after a few days or weeks they're able to tackle challenges, such as finding a new job.

See a GP if you're still feeling worried, anxious or low after a few weeks. If you think it will help, the GP can advise you about talking therapy services in your area.
You can also refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service
Get help immediately if you cannot cope, if life is becoming very difficult or if you feel it is not worth living.

See a GP, call NHS 111 or contact a helpline such as Samaritans (call free on 116 123) for confidential, non-judgemental emotional support.
Find out more about mental health services

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Read about how worries about money or losing your job can affect mental wellbeing, plus tips on coping with anxiety and where to get help.

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We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

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Check benefits and financial support you can get

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Find out what benefits and financial support you may be able to get.

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Emergency Help If You Have No Money Or Food. StepChange

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WCA Cost of Living  Presentation AWS- November 2022

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Emergency Help If You Have No Money Or Food. StepChange

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A cash crisis can happen to anyone. At StepChange Debt Charity, we’ve got free advice and resources if you urgently need help. Get in touch with us today

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If you don't have enough money to live on, you might be able to get help to afford essentials like bills and food. This includes the Household Support Fund and cost of living payments.

You should check if you can claim benefits - you might be able to do this even if you work, have savings or own a home.

If you owe money and you're struggling to pay

You should speak to the organisations you owe money to - they might let you pay smaller amounts or take a break from payments.

Don't ignore bills or letters about money you owe.

You can find out how to start dealing with your debts.

Check what benefits you can get

Lots of people miss out on benefits they're entitled to - so it's worth checking what you can get.

Claiming benefits might also let you get access to other financial help like cost of living payments and discounts on energy and transport.

You might be able to claim benefits or increase your current benefits if you're:

over 16 years old with a low income or no income

sick or disabled, including if you have a mental health condition

of State Pension age with a low income or no income

responsible for children

Check what benefits you can get.

Get your first benefit payment early

When you apply for benefits, you might be able to get your first payment early while you're waiting for either:

a decision on your application

This is called a 'short-term benefit advance'. You can get an advance for:

Universal Credit

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You'll need to pay back the advance. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will take an amount off your future payments until you've paid it back. For Universal Credit, you can spread the repayments over 24 months. For other benefits, you'll usually repay your advance over 12 weeks.

If you've applied for Universal Credit, you can check how to get a Universal Credit advance payment.

If you've applied for a different benefit, contact the benefits office that's dealing with your claim. You can find their contact details on any letter or email you've had from them.

Check if you'll get a Cost of Living Payment

The government will send you a 'Cost of Living Payment' if you:

get a benefit based on your income - for example, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits

get a disability benefit - for example, Personal Independence Payment

are over State Pension age and get Winter Fuel Payments

You'll get 1 Cost of Living Payment for each type of benefit you get. For example, if you get Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, and Winter Fuel Payments, you'll get 3 Cost of Living Payments.

If you're not claiming benefits yet, you should check if you can claim benefits. It's worth starting a claim as soon as possible if you're eligible - this means you might be able to get Cost of Living Payments in the future.

If you get benefits based on your income

If you're eligible, the government will send you a payment of £300 in autumn 2023 - you'll get this by 19 November.

To get the £300 payment you must have:

been entitled to a benefits payment on any day from 18 August to 17 September 2023

started a successful claim for Universal Credit by 18 August

started a successful claim for another income-based benefit by 17 September 2023

The government will send you another payment of £299 during spring 2024 if you're still eligible.

The government have already given 3 Cost of Living Payments to people who get certain benefits.

If you didn't get the last Cost of Living Payment

You should have got a payment of £301 by 17 May 2023 if you get any of the following benefits:

You'll have only got one £301 payment - even if you get more than 1 of these benefits.

To get the latest payment you must have either:

If you're waiting for a decision on your benefits claim, you won't get the Cost of Living Payment until your claim is successful.

If your benefits are paid to someone else, like your landlord, you should still have got the Cost of Living Payment.

If you think you should have received a Cost of Living Payment, you can report a missing payment on GOV.UK.

If you get a disability benefit

The government gave a £150 Cost of Living Payment to people getting disability benefits between 20 June and 4 July 2023.

You would have been eligible for this one-off payment if you get any of the following benefits:

Disability Living Allowance

Personal Independence Payment

Attendance Allowance

Armed Forces Independence Payment

Constant Attendance Allowance

War Pension Mobility Supplement

To get this payment you must have:

If you haven't received a previous Cost of Living Payment

If you think you should have received a Cost of Living Payment, you can report a missing payment on GOV.UK.

If you're over State Pension age and get Winter Fuel Payments

You'll either get a £300 or £150 Cost of Living Payment, depending on your situation. You'll get this at the same time as your usual Winter Fuel Payment from November 2023.

You'll get a £300 Cost of Living Payment if you live either:

If you live with someone else who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment, the amount you'll get depends on whether either of you get any of the following:

If either you or the person you live with gets one of these benefits, you'll both get £300 - as long as you're not partners. If you're partners, you'll only get one £300 payment.

If neither of you gets one of these benefits, you'll both get £150.

If you live in residential care and qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you'll get £150 unless you get any of these benefits.

Check if you need to apply for Winter Fuel Payments

You're usually entitled to Winter Fuel Payments if you're of State Pension age in the third week of September. The State Pension age is 66.

You should start getting the Winter Fuel Payment automatically once you reach State Pension age. You might need to apply if you're in one of these situations:

you don't get State Pension

you don't get another benefit

you live in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can find out how to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK.

Get help with your energy bills

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills or top up your prepayment meter, you might be able to get help - for example a fuel voucher or a grant from your energy supplier.

Check if you can get help to pay your energy bills.

You might be able to save money on your energy bills by switching to a different supplier, or to a different tariff with your current supplier. Check if you can switch.

Check how to make your home more energy efficient

If your home is energy efficient, you'll pay less to heat your home and it will stay warm for longer.

It's a good idea to look into making your home more energy efficient at any time of the year. This is because it can take a few months to sort things out - for example, to find someone who can do the work.

You might be able to apply for help with the cost of:

a new boiler

boiler repairs

loft or cavity wall insulation

a heat pump

Check if you can get help with the cost of energy efficiency.

If you need somewhere to stay warm

You can ask your local council if they have information about nearby 'warm spaces'. These are public places that anyone can use to stay warm - for example a community space like a library. You can find out how to contact your local council on GOV.UK.

Get help with essential costs

Your local council might help you pay for things like:

your energy and water bills

food

essential items - for example, clothes or an oven

This help is known as 'welfare assistance' or the 'Household Support Fund'. Each council runs their own scheme. You'll need to check if you can get support and what type of support you can get.

Ask your local council if they run a welfare assistance or Household Support Fund scheme. You can find out how to contact your local council on GOV.UK.

You don't have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council. If you do get benefits, they won't be affected if you start getting money from a welfare assistance or Household Support Fund scheme.

There are also other things you can do if you're struggling to afford essentials like rent or food.

Get help paying for rent, council tax and other bills

There are things you can do if you're struggling to pay your rent and bills.

You can check what help and support you can get with your rent and bills.

Get help paying for food

If you're struggling to pay for food, you might be able to get a referral to a food bank.

You can find out how to get help from a food bank.

If you have a child or are pregnant

You might be able to get a Healthy Start card to help you buy certain types of milk, infant formula, fruit and vegetables.

To get the Healthy Start card you must be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old. You must also be getting either:

Universal Credit - but only if your household earns £408 a month or less

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance - but only if you're pregnant

Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit - but only if your household earns £16,190 a year or less

If you get Child Tax Credit, you can't get the card if you also get Working Tax Credit - unless you get the 'run-on' payment. Working Tax Credit run-on is the payment you get for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

With the Healthy Start card you'll get:

£4.25 each week from week 10 of your pregnancy

£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old

£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old

free vitamins

You can apply for the Healthy Start scheme on the NHS website.

Get help with health costs

You might be able to get help paying for NHS charges, for example:

Check if you can get help with health costs on the NHS website.

If you pay for regular prescriptions

If you can't get help to pay for your prescriptions, you might be able to save money by buying a prepayment certificate.

You'll pay a fixed price for either 3 or 12 months. This will cover the cost of all the prescriptions you need during that time.

You can buy a prepayment certificate for unlimited prescriptions for:

You can buy a prepayment certificate on the NHS website.

If you've been prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

If you already have a prepayment certificate for other medicines, it covers the cost of your HRT.

If you only need a certificate for HRT, you might be able to save money. You can get an HRT prescription prepayment certificate - it costs £19.30 for 12 months.

The certificate only covers certain HRT medicines. Check if your HRT medicine is covered on the NHS website. If you have HRT medicines that aren't covered, you'll have to pay for them or buy a normal prepayment certificate.

You can buy an HRT prescription prepayment certificate on the NHS website.

Get help with your energy and water if you're disabled

If you're disabled, you might be able to get extra support with your energy and water. You can check how to get free advice about energy and water bills on the Scope website.

Get help if you have children or are pregnant

You might be able to get help if:

If your child is at school

If you're on a low income or claim certain benefits, you might be able to get help with the costs of sending your children to school.

For example, you could get:

Find out more about getting help with school costs.

If your child is in childcare

If you're on a low income or claim certain benefits, you might be able to get help with childcare costs. For example:

If you work, you might be able to claim Tax-Free Childcare. This is a government scheme that helps parents with childcare costs like holiday clubs, childminders and nurseries. You can get up to:

You won't be able to receive Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers if you get Tax-Free Childcare. Work out which option is best for you before applying.

If you have a 3 or 4 year old, you can get up to 570 free hours of early education or childcare a year. If you work, you might be able to claim more.

Check what help you're eligible for on the UK government's Childcare Choices website.

If you're pregnant or have a baby

You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a baby. You usually qualify if you get certain benefits and are having your first baby - you have to claim before your baby is 6 months old. Find out how to apply for a Sure Start Maternity Grant on GOV.UK.

You might be able to get support from a local baby bank - these offer free essentials like nappies, toys, shoes and clothes.

Some food banks also provide nappies, baby wipes and baby food.

Search online to find your nearest baby bank or food bank - or speak to your midwife or health visitor.

Find out more about maternity pay and parental rights.

Get help with travel costs

Contact your local council to check if they offer free or discounted travel - for example, if you're:

You can find your local council on GOV.UK.

If you're over State Pension age, you can get free bus travel. Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK.

If you're 60 or over and live in London, you can get free travel on London's transport services. You can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website.

If you're disabled, you might be able to apply for a bus pass or railcard. You can check if you can get help with the cost of transport.

Get help with pets

If you're using a food bank, you might be able to ask for some things, like pet food. Check with your local food bank if they're able to help.

You can also check if there's a pet food bank in your area. Ask your local vet or pet shop, or search online for 'pet food bank' and your local town.

You might be able to find free pet food collection points at your local supermarket, pet store or animal charity.

Get help with vet care

You might be eligible for free or reduced vet care from Blue Cross if you:

Check if you can get free or reduced vet care on the Blue Cross website.

You also might be able to get free or reduced vet care from charities such as RSPCA and PDSA.

Check if you can get free or reduced vet care on the RSPCA website.

Check if you can get free or reduced vet care on the PDSA website.

Get help with vet bills

If you're struggling to pay your vet bills, talk to your vet about payment options - like reducing the bill or setting up a payment plan.

If you can't set up an affordable payment plan, you should get debt advice. Your vet might decide to stop treating your pet if you owe money.

Work out your budget

You should use a budgeting tool to help you understand:

You can use a budgeting tool.

Apply for a charitable grant

You might be able to get extra money from a charity to help with living costs. Some of these charitable grants are open to everyone. Others might be available based on your situation, for example:

if you have a disability or health condition

your age

your previous or current job

You can check what help you can get from local and national charities on the Turn2us website. You'll need to know your postcode.

If you're over 55 and have a personal pension

You might be able to take some money from your pension savings to help pay for essential costs or to pay off your debts.

You should think about whether taking money from your pension is the best financial decision for you. Taking money from your pension will mean you have less income when you retire. If you're getting benefits, taking money from your pension could affect your claim.

You can get free guidance on your pension options from Pension Wise. They'll explain the different options so you can decide which is best for you.

You should also get financial advice before taking any money from your pension savings - you'll have to pay.

You can check how to find a financial adviser - they can tell you which option is best for you.

If you're finding things difficult

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You should talk to your GP if your money problems are affecting your mental health.

You can find other ways to get help with your mental health on the Mind website.

If you need to speak to someone

You can speak to a trained volunteer at organisations like Samaritans or Shout.

Samaritans

Helpline: 116 123 (Monday to Sunday at any time)

Welsh Language Line: 0808 164 0123 (Monday to Sunday 7pm to 11pm)

Calls to Samaritans are free.

You can find other ways to get in touch with Samaritans on their website.

Shout

You can also text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout volunteer. Texts are free, anonymous and confidential from anywhere in the UK.

If you think it's an emergency

If you think your life or someone else's is at risk, you should call 999 or go to A&E if you can.

You can also find a list of urgent mental health services on the Mind website.

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Check what extra help you could get if you're struggling with the cost of living - including the Cost of Living Payment scheme.

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This tool helps you find out what benefits and allowances you could be entitled to as a Service person. You’ll be able to check your exact eligibility on some. Speak to your Unit HR to find out exactly what you’re entitled to and how to make a claim.

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