BRITS will start receiving their second Cost of Living Payment from today as the £324 cash boost will begin to hit people’s bank accounts.
But not everyone will receive their instalment of the Cost of Living money boost straight away.
On 8 November, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will begin the rollout of the second payment, worth £324.
For the eight million homes expecting the payment, it could hit bank accounts anytime between 8 November, and 23.
To be eligible for the cash, you will have to claim at least one of these benefits; Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit and Universal Credit.
Read our cost of living live blog below for the latest updates…
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Dogs Trust issue urgent appeal for donations
As the cost of living crisis continues, the Dogs Trust are among a number of charities and organastions feeling the financial pressure.
The charity has now issued an urgent appeal for dog food donations as they are currently “running out”.
Taking to social media, they wrote: “We need your help please! We’re almost out of treats and tinned dog food.
“We need these for giving the dogs in our care the medicine they need to get them back on their paws, and also to help with their training so we can find them the best forever homes.”
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Beware of Universal Credit ‘nil awards’
According to gov.uk, you will not be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment if your earnings reduced your Universal Credit to £0 for the qualifying assessment period. This is sometimes called a ‘nil award’.
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Derbyshire council knitting blankets to keep residents warm this winter
As many make the decision to switch off their heating in a bid to save money and reduce energy bills, one Derbyshire council is knitting blankets to keep residents warm this winter.
Bolsover District Council staff are aiming for full blankets to be provided those in need, in a bid to keep them as warm as possible as we approach the colder months.
The council are encouraging people to take part – you can drop your blankets or squares off at any of the Council’s contact centres across the district
All blankets and squares need to be dropped off by Friday, December 2, 2022.
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Essex University offers support for students during cost of living crisis
Essex university is extending its current hardship fund to cover travel and childcare costs, in a bid to continue to help students facing financial pressures.
The university, which has campuses in Colchester, Southend and Loughton, previously totalled their hardship fund at £489,000.
The hardship fund available to Essex University students now sits at £1.5million.
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Thousands of pensioners have just days left to qualify for £150 energy bill help
Millions of households are eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter.
Households don’t need to apply to get the payment, instead you’ll automatically qualify if you are receiving certain benefits including pension credit.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who’s overseeing the scheme, will open a Warm Home Discount hotline later this month to let households confirm or query their eligibility.
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This is how Brits are reducing their household energy use
With rising energy costs adding to the current cost-of-living crisis, a new YouGov Political Research survey has provided an insight into how Brits are reducing their gas and electricity usage.
The survey shows that 61% have made cuts to their heating.
46% have made the decision to use their household lighting less.
While 40% are consciously turning devices off standby when not in use in order to save money.
The survey also shows that 31% of Brits are reducing the amount of hot water they use, 36% are making less use of their washing machine or tumble dryer, and 22% are making the decision to use their kettle less.
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O2 stores allowing struggling Brits to access free mobile data
Brits can get free mobile data from Virgin Media O2 to ensure they stay connected this Christmas.
The telecoms giant already provides free sims and mobile data, as well as talk minutes and texts, to people who are struggling to get online through the National Databank.
Virgin Media O2 will now help more people in need of free mobile data by piloting the National Databank for the first time on the High Street via 10 O2 stores.
Participating stores include:
- Ballymena
- Broadstairs (Thanet Westwood Cross)
- Colchester
- Hastings
- Hull (Jameson Street)
- Norwich
- Newport
- Perth
- Plymouth
- Stockton-on-Tees (Teesside Retail Park)
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Washing up savings
Savvy shoppers have been flocking to supermarkets like Tesco and B&M to bag a brilliant product that could save them a fortune on their bills.
Popular brand Fairy has released it’s well known washing up liquid but with an additional feature.
The new dish soap can be used with cold water meaning many will save money on their bills as they can reduce the amount of hot water they use.
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YouTube mum shares top money saving tips
Liza Prideaux shared how to update a home while on a budget, proving splashing the cash isn’t always necessary when decorating a property.
The shrewd shopper revamped her utility room for just under £500.
She said: “The makeover in the kitchen cost £1367 it took about two weeks to do.
“We replaced the worktops, painted the kitchen units, spray painted the handles, changed the sink and tap and had new vinyl flooring laid on top of the existing tiles for a budget friendly transformation,” Liza told DevonLive.
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Radiator tip to save you £25 per year
British Gas engineer Sunny Solanky has shared some key tips for saving money on your heating bills this winter.
Sticking foil panels to the wall behind your radiator will save you around £25 a year on your bills, reports Sunny.
It stops all the heat being absorbed by the wall and instead reflects warmth back into the room.
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Don’t forget about next month’s Christmas Bonus!
The Christmas bonus is a tax-free £10 that will be sent to millions of Brits come December.
To get the cash you will need to be receiving a state pension.
Or, you have to claim one of the following benefits:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit – the guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
Will you be getting the cash this Christmas?
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How to know if you pay National Insurance
Yesterday, the government put in place a major cut on National Insurance, saving some Brits over £1,000 per year.
But how do you know if you pay National Insurance?
You pay National Insurance if you’re 16 or over and either:
- an employee earning above £242 a week
- self-employed and making a profit of £6,725 or more a year
It is deducted from your wages each month.
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How much will save per year after yesterday’s National Insurance scrap?
Yesterday, the government has scrapped the rate of National Insurance contributions, but how much will save?
Here is a handy guide to see how much you could save per year:
- Workers on £20,000 will save £93 a year
- Workers on £30,000 will save £218 a year
- Workers on £40,000 will save £343 a year
- Workers on £50,000 will save £468 a year
- Workers on £60,000 will save £593 a year
- Workers on £80,000 will save £843 a year
- Workers on £100,000 will save £1,093 a year
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How much more cash will you have per month after yesterday’s NI cut?
Yesterday, the government introduced its National Insurance cut, saving Brits up to £91 per month.
But how much extra cash will you have?
- Workers on £20,000 will take home an extra £7.75 a month
- Workers on £30,000 will take home an extra £18.17 a month
- Workers on £40,000 will take home an extra £28.58 a month
- Workers on £50,000 will take home an extra £39.00 a month
- Workers on £60,000 will take home an extra £49.42 a month
- Workers on £80,000 will take home an extra £74.42 a month
- Workers on £100,000 will take home an extra £91.08 a month
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A guide to November’s cost of living payments
Over the next couple of weeks, a number of payments will be sent out to eligible Brits in a bid to help them cope with the rising cost of living.
From tomorrow, those claiming certain benefits, including Universal Credit, will receive the second half of the £650 cost of living payment.
Throughout the month, the Winter Fuel Payment AND pensioner cost of living payment will hit bank accounts.
Meanwhile, those on tax credits will receive the £324 COL cash from November 23.
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Top warm hooded blankets for staying snug this winter
*If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Here are The Sun’s top picks for affordable thick blankets.
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Cheapest shop to buy Quality Street this week
As households across the region are cutting back and saving money where they can, one supermarket is selling a tub of Quality Street for just £3.50 – and it’s cheaper than anywhere else!
Sainsburys are selling the popular Christmas chocolates online from Wednesday until Tuesday, November 15.
The deal will see you save £1.50 off the supermarket’s usual £5 price.
However, the deal is only available for delivery customers and will not be offered in store.
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Free debt advice
If you’re in debt there are plenty of services you can take advantage of and they offer free advice on how to manage debt.
Most of them can offer you free guidance and help in person, over the telephone or online.
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Manchester City Council advise residents to use free helpline
Manchester City Council have provided residents with FREE Cost of Living Advice Line for support as financial pressures mount up.
The line can be used to discuss benefits, paying rent, debts, bills, food and help with getting online.
The council are also providing translation and Sign Video services.
The advice line is open from Monday to Friday – 9am until 4.30pm.
Those looking for advice can also text 07860 022876 with their queries.
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Descale your appliances to save on bills this winter
Limescale can make your appliances painfully inefficient, running up the cost of your bills to startling levels.
So, descaling your appliances is crucial during this expensive winter.
For a DIY approach, half-fill your kettle with water and 20ml of white wine vinegar. Leave it to sit for 15 minutes before boiling the kettle.
Tip it out, rinse and boil again with fresh water. Tip that away once more before using as normal.
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O2 stores allowing struggling Brits to access free mobile data
Brits can get free mobile data from Virgin Media O2 to ensure they stay connected this Christmas.
The telecoms giant already provides free sims and mobile data, as well as talk minutes and texts, to people who are struggling to get online through the National Databank.
Virgin Media O2 will now help more people in need of free mobile data by piloting the National Databank for the first time on the High Street via 10 O2 stores.
Participating stores include:
- Ballymena
- Broadstairs (Thanet Westwood Cross)
- Colchester
- Hastings
- Hull (Jameson Street)
- Norwich
- Newport
- Perth
- Plymouth
- Stockton-on-Tees (Teesside Retail Park)
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Tesco reveals advert to bring joy to people during cost of living crisis
Like many other supermarkets, Tesco has released its Christmas advert for the year.
According to The Independent, the campaign aims to show customers how they can “celebrate in style” despite the cost of living crisis.
Tesco’s advert, named “The Christmas Party”, comes following the supermarket’s research that revealed 87 percent of people feel Christmas brings them joy.
The ad revolves around a political party formed by Tesco called The Christmas Party, and they are seen canvassing doors by bringing people food and more.
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York launching ‘warm weekend’ to support residents
York Together have set up a campaign to help residents cope with the current cost of living crisis by launching a ‘warm weekend’.
The event will take place at St Saviourgate Methodist Church, where residents will be able to ask for advice regarding bills and receive food and warm clothing for those in need.
The warm weekend will take place on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 between 10am and 3pm.
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Martin Lewis issues update on energy bills rises
Money saving expert Martin Lewis has taken to Twitter this morning to inform his followers that a typical yearly bill will cost £3,702 from April 2023.
The news comes as fresh forecasts by energy analysts at Cornwall Insight predict that the average consumer will pay over £600 less than was predicted last month.
Martin described the updated predictions as “bad and good news”.
He said: “It’s early days but Cornwall Insight’s latest prediction for the April price cap (which returns then unless govt changes rules) is a 48% rise; taking a (meaningless but illustrative) typical bill to £3,700/yr from £2,500.
“Yet it’s less than the 72% predicted before.”
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Six payments YOU could get before Christmas
Bills have soared this year, but as we approach Christmas there are six payments on the way that could net you up to £1,399.
Here they are:
- Energy bills rebate payments begin – worth £400
- Cost of living payment – worth £324
- Pensioner cost of living payment – worth £300
- Warm Home Discount – worth £150
- Household support fund – up to £150
- Cold weather payment – worth up to £75
