MILLIONS of Brits are set to receive benefits and Universal Credit EARLY this week, as the nation prepares for Her Majesty’s funeral.
Those receiving both Universal Credit and pension credit, among others, will receive their payment on a different day than usual.
This is because the Queen’s state funeral has been declared a bank holiday for Brits across the country.
Overall, If your benefits are due on the day of the state funeral, Monday, September 19, you’ll be paid on Friday, September 16.
Universal Credit recipients aren’t the only ones who will receive their payments early.
Those claiming; Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, State Pension, Child Benefit/Guardian’s Allowance, Working Tax Credits and finally, Child Tax Credits will also get payments this week.
While the date of payment is changing, the amount you receive should remain exactly the same.
Read our live blog below for the latest updates….
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Tips for saving money on heating this winter
Speaking to the Sun, Myles Robinson an expert from Boiler Central, outlined what setting your heating should be at as we enter the winter.
Myles recommends that people set their thermostats between 18 and 21°c over the winter months.
He said: “To save money, we recommend putting on more layers of clothing. Also, investing in a higher quilt tog is a good way to keep your energy bills low in the long run and to maintain good sleep and health.”
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30 ways to save cash during the cost of living crisis
Every little change can help when bills are rising the way they are.
Here is a list of ways Brits have been saving money during the cost of living crisis.
- Turn the heating down
- Making sure lights are always turned off
- Buy own brand products at the supermarket
- Take lunch into work
- Turn off all electrics when not using/out of the home
- Wear a jumper instead of turning on the heating
- Save leftovers for another meal
- Using discount vouchers
- Use a clothesline instead of a tumble dryer
- Collect coupons and money off vouchers
- Buy second class stamps instead of first
- Buy eco-friendly/energy saving bulbs
- Cut down going out
- Shop in budget supermarkets
- Wait for the sales when making purchases
- Buy food and toiletries in bulk
- Turning off all the plugs before leaving the house
- Haggle my home/car insurance
- Price compare at different grocery stores
- Borrow books from your library
- Shop at second hand/charity stores
- Using public transport instead of taxis
- Cut your own hair
- Spend your weekend taking part in free activities
- Go to supermarkets in the evening for yellow sticker deals
- Grow your own vegetables and herbs
- Drink water when eating in restaurants
- Using an older or hand-me-down phone rather than buying the newest model
- Reduce your television/internet packages to the bare minimum
- Selling anything you possibly can on an online marketplace
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Do you need to claim the £150 cost of living payment?
Six million people with disabilities will start receiving the £150 cost of living payment next Tuesday, but do you need to claim it?
You won’t need to claim the payment, if you are eligible it should arrive in your bank account after September 20.
Designed to help with soaring energy bills, this payment will aid in paying for some of the expensive equipment disabled Brits have to use.
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Interest in Don’t Pay UK grew in August, report claims
Interest in the Don’t Pay movement reportedly skyrocketed in August.
The movement calls on Brits to end their direct debits and stop paying their bills.
AskGamblers.com said: “The sharp rise in the cost-of-living is putting a strain on millions of UK households.
“The Don’t Pay movement is gaining huge momentum, with visits to the website exploding to over six times the amount in one month, to 1.5 million.
“It’s a worrying sign that energy bills are becoming unaffordable for millions. However, it is advised to communicate with your energy supplier rather than refusing to pay altogether.”
Experts have advised against Don’t Pay, which can seriously damage your credit score.
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Are you eligible for cost of living direct payment due in the coming days?
Millions of Brits are set to receive a £150 cost of living payment in a matter of days.
But are you eligible?
If you claim any of the following benefits, you will be eligible to receive the payment:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
To check if you are eligible, log into your DWP online account and check if you’re claiming one of the above benefits.
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Benefits to arrive in bank accounts TOMORROW
As a result of Her Majesty’s funeral, the payment date for a number of benefits has been moved forward.
Rather than entering bank accounts on Monday, they will be received tomorrow.
This should be the case if you claim any of the following:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit/Guardian’s Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
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Key facts to know if bailiffs come to your home
As the cost of living crisis worsens, many Brits may find themselves in some form of debt, and seeing bailiffs at your door can often be a daunting prospect.
But, Brits do have rights when it comes to debt collection, and it is crucial that you know them.
The Sun spoke with Jonathan Chesterman, debt advice policy manager at charity StepChange, about his four key steps for debt collection.
- Don’t ignore the situation
- You don’t have to open your door
- You can hide goods
- Be in the know about paperwork
For a deep dive into each of these options, click here
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Iceland’s free food scheme is officially closed
Iceland has ended its £30 free food voucher scheme.
The budget supermarket chain offered the discount to vulnerable pensioners struggling during the cost of living crisis.
The budget supermarket teamed up the Rothesay Foundation in order to help hard-up Brits.
Throughout August, Iceland gave away over 40,000 vouchers.
Customers had until Friday, September 16, to apply for the scheme.
However, a spokesperson for Iceland told The Sun on Wednesday, September 14: “We have now reached the limit of 80,000 vouchers allocated for this scheme so the campaign is now closed.”
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Fuel theft rampant as prices skyrocket
Fuel theft is reportedly rife across the UK, as gas prices continue to rise.
Experts say the thefts are costing the industry up to £50million.
FairFuelUK said: “A mounting number of drivers are risking criminal records by not paying.”
Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, added: “We reckon the problem could be nearly double that.
“Some police forces won’t attend if the value is below £100. Many police forces have said they haven’t got the manpower.”
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Get cheap broadband if you claim Universal Credit
A number of broadband providers offer cheap deals for those on certain benefits.
It will differ depending on which provider you use, but these deals can often be claimed over the phone.
TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT are three companies currently offering deals.
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£400 energy payment, a visual breakdown
Despite launching an all-encompassing energy plan last week, capping average bills at £2,500, the government will still provide Brits with their £400 energy rebate.
The payment will be broken down into six separate rebates, beginning in October 2022 and ending in March the next year.
Several energy companies are taking part in this scheme, including British Gas, E.on, EDF, and Octopus Energy.
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Benefits and Universal Credit to be paid early this week due to Her Majesty’s funeral
The Queen’s funeral could affect the day you receive your benefits.
Those receiving both Universal Credit and pension credit, among others, will receive their payment on a different day than usual.
Overall, If your benefits are due on the day of the state funeral, Monday, September 19, you’ll be paid on Friday, September 16.
This will impact you if you receive the following:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit/Guardian’s Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
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Switching bank accounts can help you save during the cost of living crisis
Finding new ways to save will be crucial as the cost of living continues to worsen.
According to Andrew Hagger, a personal finance expert, switching bank accounts could save you some impressive sums if you make the right decision.
He said: “The switching process is really simple now.
“So if you are not happy with the service or rates from your bank, now is a great time to consider jumping ship and getting a nice cash bonus for your troubles.”
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What energy help is out there?
There is plenty of help out there if you need it for your energy bills.
Recently, British Gas confirmed it would be granting its most vulnerable customers a grant worth up to £750.
Here is some of the help you may be entitled to.
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DontPayUk visits skyrocket in August
Interest in the Don’t Pay movement reportedly skyrocketed in August.
The movement calls on Brits to end their direct debits and stop paying their bills.
AskGamblers.com said: “The sharp rise in the cost-of-living is putting a strain on millions of UK households.
“The Don’t Pay movement is gaining huge momentum, with visits to the website exploding to over six times the amount in one month, to 1.5 million.
“It’s a worrying sign that energy bills are becoming unaffordable for millions. However, it is advised to communicate with your energy supplier rather than refusing to pay altogether.”
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Get cheap broadband if you claim Universal Credit
A number of broadband providers offer cheap deals for those on certain benefits.
It will differ depending on which provider you use, but these deals can often be claimed over the phone.
TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT are three companies currently offering deals.
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Will Universal Credit and other benefits rise in 2023?
The current allowance for single claimants over the age of 25 is around £334.91 a month.
If inflation remains at 9.9%, payments will grow by £33.16 a month to £368.07.
But inflation could still come in at more or less than this in September, or the government could decide to increase benefit rates by a different amount.
The exact amount more you get will also depend on exactly how much your benefit payments are each month, as there are also extra amounts if you have children or caring responsibilities.
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Iceland ends free food voucher scheme
Iceland has ended its £30 free food voucher scheme.
The budget supermarket chain offered the discount to vulnerable pensioners struggling during the cost of living crisis.
The budget supermarket teamed up the Rothesay Foundation in order to help hard-up Brits.
Throughout August, Iceland gave away over 40,000 vouchers.
Customers had until Friday, September 16, to apply for the scheme.
However, a spokesperson for Iceland told The Sun on Wednesday, September 14: “We have now reached the limit of 80,000 vouchers allocated for this scheme so the campaign is now closed.”
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How a prepayment meter could help you save on bills
Despite the PM’s recent energy intervention, which is set to cap average bills at £2,500 a year, the cost of living is still set to rise.
So, if you are having trouble paying your energy bills, asking for a prepayment meter could be the way to go.
Over 4million homes are on prepayment meters where they pay for the energy they use at the time, rather than being billed later on.
If you’re finding it difficult to pay for your bills at the end of the month, a prepayment meter might be a good idea.
If your energy supplier believes a prepayment meter isn’t the best option but recognises that you are struggling, they are obligated to offer help.
They MUST propose one of these options going forward:
- A full payment plan review
- Affordable debt repayment plans
- Payment breaks
- Payment reductions
- More time to pay
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What temperature should your house be to save money this winter?
Speaking to the Sun, Myles Robinson an expert from Boiler Central, outlined what setting your heating should be at as we enter the winter.
Myles recommends that people set their thermostats between 18 and 21°c over the winter months.
He said: “To save money, we recommend putting on more layers of clothing. Also, investing in a higher quilt tog is a good way to keep your energy bills low in the long run and to maintain good sleep and health.”
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Tip: Ask energy providers about hardship funds
If you are struggling, ask your supplier what funds are available for you to apply for – you could save up to £2,575.
Here are a few energy provider grants to get you started:
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One government benefit many people miss out on
The Attendance Allowance is available for those who have a disability severe enough they require looking after.
It includes those with physical and mental disabilities, but did you know it also covers people who are the State Pension age and older?
You do not need to have a someone caring for you in order to claim.
Those claiming the benefit can get either £61.85 or £92.40 per week, depending on their situation and the level of help required.
It is not means-tested, therefore what you earn, or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get.
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How long have pensioners got left to redeem £30 Iceland voucher?
Iceland is offering a £30 discount to vulnerable pensioners struggling during the cost of living crisis.
Iceland has teamed up with the Rothesay Foundation to run the scheme.
It made 40,000 vouchers available in August for those who’ve reached state pension age.
To be eligible for the voucher you’ll need to live independently or with a carer and rely solely on your state pension or other benefits to pay your bills.
Pensioners will also need to redeem their vouchers by December 31.
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Household Support Fund
Extra cash totalling £500m has been handed to councils to give out to struggling families.
The Household Support Fund previously included vouchers to spend in the supermarket and for buying kids clothes in one area and £100 cash in another.
The help you can get depends on you location and your circumstances.
You can find your local council using this tool and searching you postcode. to see what help is available near to you.
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Grant schemes
Low-income families may be eligible for charitable grants to cover housing costs.
As grants are typically different to loans, most do not have to be paid back.
Turn2Us has a tool that can help you check out grants available near you on its website.
You’ll need to enter some personal information like your postcode, your gender, and your age.
Energy suppliers are offering cash grants to those hardest hit by bills rises.
For instance British Gas is giving out up to £1,500 to struggling debt payers – check if you’re eligible here.
But the amount can vary according to your supplier and your circumstances so ask directly what’s on offer and how to apply.
