Around 545,000 households in the East Midlands will receive £301 in their bank accounts from today.
The £301 is the latest Cost of Living Payment from the Government and will be paid to those eligible between Tuesday 25 April and Wednesday 17 May.
This is the first of up to three payments for those eligible on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits. A second payment of £300 will be made in Autumn and a payment of £299 in Spring 2024. As part of the scheme there will also be another disability Cost of Living Payment of £150 in the Summer and a £300 payment for pensioners, on top of the Winter Fuel Payments at the end of this year.
All Cost of Living Payments payments work similar to how they did last year, but if you're unsure click here for more information.
We understand not everybody is entitled to these payments so we've rounded up what other help is out there, whether you're in receipt of benefits or not.
£400 energy vouchers
- The six, monthly payments towards energy bills came to a stop in March but nearly a quarter of vouchers posted haven't been claimed.
- Those who have a prepayment meter had been receiving vouchers through the post and the final vouchers were sent throughout March and April.
- People only have until June to claim these, so it's important to cash them at your local Post Office as soon as possible. If you’re missing any vouchers, speak to your energy provider to make them aware which months you didn’t receive.
- The £66 vouchers are not repayable, so you don’t need to worry about paying them back. They’re there to ease the pressure slightly in these challenging times.
Household Support Fund
- The Household Support Fund has now been extended to April 2024. The support on offer is different from each council, so it's best to check with your local authority.
- Derbyshire County Council will update their funding here and West Northamptonshire here.
- You don't need to be on benefits to claim the Household Support Fund. It's there to help those who are struggling to pay their bills and keep up with essentials - this doesn't guarantee you'll qualify, each council will have their own criteria.
- In the past this has ranged from cash vouchers you exchange at the Post Office, and extra food vouchers for those with children entitled to free school meals.
Futures
- We're here to support you too! If you are starting to get into trouble with your finances, it's better to sort things out sooner rather than later.
- Our Tenancy Support team is designed to help customers struggling with day-to-day challenges, to cope better with all aspects of life. From money advice, employment advice to your home and your health. Simply fill in this form and someone will be in touch with you.
- We've published six mini guides bursting with money and energy saving advice this year. Each one focuses on a different topic, but everything's written in mind for people to be able to simply do at home. Find all of the guide's here.
