Many people in the UK are experiencing a cost of living crisis due to the rising costs of bills, petrol, and food prices. This crisis is affecting everyone, but it is especially hard for those who rely on Universal Credit benefits to make ends meet. As we approach Christmas and the holiday season, many people will be finding it tough to survive on universal credit benefits alone.
How to Get Extra Money
If you're struggling to make ends meet, the DWP Jobcentre plus website is a good place to start looking for extra money. There is guidance on getting an extra payment to help with the cost of living if you're entitled to certain benefits such as Universal Credit or tax credits. You can also find information and advice to help families and individuals, whether you're working or not. This includes details of payments that you may be eligible for, who to contact for support, and how to save money on your food and energy bills.
Cost of Living Crisis in the UK
The cost of inflation in the UK is at an all-time high at over nine percent. Universal Credit claimants are having to stretch their payments further than ever before, with heart-breaking reports of the elderly left unable to keep their homes warm and parents skipping meals so their children can eat. The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone in the country, and it is important to know what support is available.
Are You Eligible for a Cost of Living Crisis Payment on Universal Credit This Christmas?
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that those receiving Universal Credit and some other benefits could be set to receive an increase in their payments. It would come at the end of the year in order to help ease the cost of living crisis. As the winter months approach, many vulnerable people around the UK, including disabled and elderly people and low-income earners, will be looking for increased support to meet their bills this Christmas.
If you're eligible for a cost of living crisis payment, you will get paid automatically in the normal way you usually get your universal credit benefits or tax credits. This will include if you are eligible for a Cost of Living Payment or a Disability Cost of Living Payment at a later date.
You could get up to three different types of payment depending on your circumstances on a particular date or during a particular period:
- Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying low-income benefit or tax credits
- Disability Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying disability benefit
- 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. You can find out more about the cost of living crisis payments from the DWP website.
When You'll Be Paid the Cost of Living Payments
If you are receiving benefits or tax credits, you can find out when you will be paid the Cost of Living Payment below:
| Benefit | Payment Amount | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | £326 | Between 14 and 31 July 2022 for most people £324 Autumn 2022 |
| Income-based JSA | £326 | Between 14 and 31 July 2022 for most people £324 Autumn 2022 |
| Income-related ESA | £326 | Between 14 and 31 July 2022 for most people £324 Autumn 2022 |
| Income Support | £326 | Between 14 and 31 July 2022 for most people £324 Autumn 2022 |
| Pension Credit | £326 | Between 14 and 31 July 2022 for most people £324 Autumn 2022 |
| Tax Credits | £326 | Between 2 and 7 September 2022 for most people £324 From winter 2022 |
No Double Payments for Joint Claims
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.
Late Payments
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 may contact the office that pays your benefit or tax credits to discuss it.
Other Useful Links
For more information on other payments and support available, please visit the following links:
