If you’ve watched or read the news at all within the last 6 months you will have heard the term “Cost of Living Crisis” and probably noticed your bills going up. Many of us are tightening our belts this winter to try and counter the increasing utility bills, so it’s a great time to be aware of what you are entitled to from the Government so you’re not missing out on anything!
How Much is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a monthly standard allowance plus any additional amounts available to you. You’re entitled to claim Universal Credit if you have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments, and meet other criteria listed on the website. The standard amount per month is:
- Single and under 25 – £265.31
- Single and 25 or over – £334.91
- A Couple both under 25 – £416.45 (for both of you)
- A Couple with someone over 25 – £525.72 (for both of you)
If you have a child with a disability you will get an extra £132.89 per month. You can claim housing costs, 85% of childcare costs, and if you’re earning the first £344 per month doesn’t affect your Universal Credit, but every £1 over that in take home pay reduces your Universal Credit by 55p.
What is Disability Living Allowance?
Disability Living Allowance is only for children under 16 years old who need extra looking after. The rate is between £24.45 and £156.90 per week, depending on the level of help the child needs.
How Much is Personal Independence Payment?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability which makes certain everyday tasks or getting around more difficult. It comes in two parts, a daily living part and a mobility part, for more information, check out the Government website.
The amounts are:
- Daily Living: £61.85 – £92.40
- Mobility: £24.45 – £64.50
Attendance Allowance
This is a benefit you may be able to claim if you need help with care, and isn’t means-tested.
If you need help during the day or at night you could get £61.85 per week. If you need help during the day and at night you could get £92.40 per week.
How does Carers Allowance Work?
If you care for someone at least 35 hours per week and they get certain benefits you could get £69.70 per week.
Can I Get Help if I’m Out of Work due to a Disability or Health Condition?
Yes you can. Employment & Support Allowance can be paid once you’ve been assessed by a healthcare professional. Whilst your claim is assessed you’ll typically be paid £77 per week for 13 weeks, then, depending on your ability to work again in the future you’ll be placed into one of two groups and receive up to £117.60 per week. You do have to have made enough National Insurance contributions to be eligible, but you can also claim Universal Credit at the same time. For more information, look at the Government Website.
What’s the Cold Weather Payment?
If it’s been 0°C or colder in your area for 7 consecutive days and you’re in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
You can get a payment of £25 per week of very cold weather between November and March. For more details, look at the Government Website.
What about the Warm Home Discount for the Cost of Living Crisis?
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023, paid directly to your supplier, if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs. For more information, look at the Government Website.
Can I Get Help with Council Tax?
Council Tax support is available, but each council runs their own scheme, so to find out if you’re eligible you need to put your postcode into the Government Website.
I’m Having Issues with Paying my Mortgage due to the high Cost of Living.
If you’re struggling to pay your Mortgage, firstly, check out our blog post for what to do.
The Government offer Support for Mortgage Interest if you’re a homeowner and in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
It’s paid as a loan, which you’ll need to repay with interest when you sell or transfer ownership of your home however, so might not be the best choice for you.
We hope this post has been helpful, if you’re struggling with the high costs at the moment, we recommend downloading our budget planner linked below as a first step to seeing where you’re at.
Note: All information correct at time of writing.
Budget Planner (46 downloads )
