04/01/2023 - Permalink

Government announces cost of living support for lowest income households in 2023/24

Related topics: Cost of living / Partner organisations

Millions of the lowest-income households across the UK will get £900 – or up to £1,350 – from the Government in 2023/4 to help with the cost of living.

Millions of new cost of living payments from Spring 2023

  • New Government cost of living support from Spring 2023
  • £900 Cost of Living Payment for means-tested benefit claimants
  • Direct into bank accounts in three payments over the financial year
  • Extra cash support for people with disabilities, and pensioners will see some households receive extra cash.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has this week announced more detail on the payment schedule for the next round of cost of living support unveiled in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2022.

The new £900 cash boost for over eight million eligible means-tested benefits claimants, including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits, starts in spring and will go direct to bank accounts in three payments over the course of the financial year. There will also be a separate £150 for over six million people with disabilities; and £300 for over eight million pensioners, on top of their Winter Fuel Payments.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and communities, said:-

We welcome the news that there is more support on the way for those who need it most to help with the cost of living.

This will come as a relief to lots of people in Shropshire, and we urge any individuals who are struggling to check that they are receiving all of the help that they are eligible for.

Shropshire Council and their partners across the county continue to offer help and advice on money, bills and wellbeing, which may also be useful to many.

Exact payment times will be announced closer to the time. They are spread across a longer period to ensure support throughout the year and will broadly be as follows:

  • £301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
  • £150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
  • £300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
  • £300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
  • £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024

More information about the cost-of-living support payments can be found here: Millions of low-income households to get new Cost of Living Payments from Spring 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Help and advice from Shropshire Council and Partners can be found here: Cost of living help | Shropshire Council