AS 8 million UK households await their next cost of living payment, there are Christmas dates for further DWP payments to take note of.
Brits are about to receive their second cost of living support payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which will reach more than 8 million households from November 8 to 22.
Christmas time is fast approaching, and this can be a tricky time for many, as the cost of living rises this winter. Changes to the scheduling of payments could be made, as bank holidays change the dates Brits might be expecting their money.
This year, Christmas eve and day falls on a Saturday and Sunday, so if you were expecting a benefit payment on the December 24, 25, 26, or 27 it should reach bank accounts early, on Friday, 23 December.
A selection of benefits will have a £10 Christmas bonus added this year, which includes those on the Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance and many more.
Read our cost of living live blog below for the latest updates…
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Aldi and Argos sell affordable air fryers
The multi-cooker is a cheaper alternative than a traditional oven.
In fact, the Aldi air fryer is so popular, it has sold out, so fans will haev to wait till it restocks before they purchase.
Argos also sell an air fryer, costing £60, which has received glowing reviews.
One customer wrote: “I bought this multi cooker 2 weeks ago. I am very happy with my purchase. This multi cooker is fantastic.
“Lots of programmes and functions and very versatile. Makes cooking so easy and convenient. I would highly recommend to family and friends.”
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How to claim the £300 energy discount for pensioners
Those who are eligible will get an additional £300 to go towards the high energy bills.
It is thought around eight million Brits will get £300 fuel discount, which will be added to the Winter Fuel Payment.
The payment usually gives Brits £200 towards winter fuelling.
To apply, you must be of state pension age (66) between the 19 to 25 September 2022.
Payments will be made automatically to Brits.
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Which appliances should be switched off during black outs?
If the National Grid shuts off during peak times, certain electrical goods could be damaged with an abrupt shut off of power.
Don’t leave the following appliances switched on:
- Iron
- Hair straighteners
- Oven
- Electric hob
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All the energy suppliers handing cash back for new National Grid scheme
If you are signed up to any of the below energy suppliers, you might be able to make some good savings this winter by switching off.
You must have a smart meter to take part in the Demand Flexibility Scheme, which launches this month, and ends in March 2023.
- British Gas
- Eon
- Ocotpus
- Ovo
To participate, reduce usage between 9am to 11am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Click here for more tips on how to participate and save some money.
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House prices could drop by 30%
Nationwide has warned that the drop in house prices could fall by 30 per cent, worst case scenario.
It is calculated that in reality prices could drop between eight and 10 per cent.
Savills estates agents predicted a similar 10 per cent drop next year before they climb again in 2024.
Click here for the full story.
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Winter warmer in the Oodie
Brits have been raving about this product that will keep you warm and snug all winter.
*If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.
The hooded blanket is a fluffy and warm thick hoodie, which you can wear indoors to keep the chills away.
It costs £59 to buy directly, but you can save up to £30 in the sale, here.
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Sell old furniture to make cash this Christmas
If you are looking to earn some cash before the Christmas pinch begins, selling your old furniture is a surefire way to make money.
According to Brad West, owner of West Antiques, these five items could earn you up to £1,000.
- Mid-century sideboards – up to £1,000
- Desks – up to £650
- Lamps – up to £100
- Chairs – up to £400
- Coffee tables – from £250
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Who is eligible for Universal Credit?
Whether you are eligible will depend on your specific circumstances.
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you’re on a low income or out of work
- you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- you’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)
- you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
- you live in the UK
Your partner’s income and savings will be taken into account, even if they are not eligible for Universal Credit.
There are other factors that might make you eligible for a claim, for instance if you care for a disabled person, you’re in further education or if you’ve recently had a child.
You can read the full eligibility criteria on the government’s website.
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Affordable electric heaters that are cheap to run
Electric heaters are great for heating up one room, and making small spaces warm.
- Wilko – £15 and costs 68p an hour to run.
- Dunelm – £28 and costs 41p to run
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The banks cutting mortgage bills
Despite interest rates being at a 33 year high, some high street banks have announced there will be cuts.
- Barclays became the first bank to cut bills for mortgage customers on SVRs, reducing by 0.25 per cent from December 1.
- HSBC made reductions across the fixed rate mortgage range from 0.05 per cent and up to 0.29 per cent.
-
Aldi and Argos sell affordable air fryers
The multi-cooker is a cheaper alternative than a traditional oven.
In fact, the Aldi air fryer is so popular, it has sold out, so fans will haev to wait till it restocks before they purchase.
Argos also sell an air fryer, costing £60, which has received glowing reviews.
One customer wrote: “I bought this multi cooker 2 weeks ago. I am very happy with my purchase. This multi cooker is fantastic.
“Lots of programmes and functions and very versatile. Makes cooking so easy and convenient. I would highly recommend to family and friends.”
-
How to claim the £300 energy discount for pensioners
Those who are eligible will get an additional £300 to go towards the high energy bills.
It is thought around eight million Brits will get £300 fuel discount, which will be added to the Winter Fuel Payment.
The payment usually gives Brits £200 towards winter fuelling.
To apply, you must be of state pension age (66) between the 19 to 25 September 2022.
Payments will be made automatically to Brits.
-
Which appliances should be switched off during black outs?
If the National Grid shuts off during peak times, certain electrical goods could be damaged with an abrupt shut off of power.
Don’t leave the following appliances switched on:
- Iron
- Hair straighteners
- Oven
- Electric hob
-
All the energy suppliers handing cash back for new National Grid scheme
If you are signed up to any of the below energy suppliers, you might be able to make some good savings this winter by switching off.
You must have a smart meter to take part in the Demand Flexibility Scheme, which launches this month, and ends in March 2023.
- British Gas
- Eon
- Ocotpus
- Ovo
To participate, reduce usage between 9am to 11am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Click here for more tips on how to participate and save some money.
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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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Northern Ireland homes asked to verify oil use for £100 payment
Around two thirds of Northern Irish homes relying on oil for heating may be asked to prove they are entitled for the payment.
The payment could be made to those not linked to gas supplies, but homes might be asked to verify their oil usage, reports the BBC.
Currently it is not clear when the payment will be made, it could be soon as it was announced that the payment would be made this winter.
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£400 energy rebate – what do I need to know?
Every household in the country is receiving the £400 energy rebate, without means testing.
The will be automatically paid, so no one needs to apply for the rebate. It will be spread over monthly instalments.
How much you receive depends on how much energy every household uses.
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Get set for Christmas with these tips
The Money Saving Expert has shared some tips to cope with the Christmas pinch.
Planning for this year’s festivities in advance could majorly soften the blow of extra costs.
- Budget now, plan how much you would like to spend.
- Start buying presents early, don’t leave it to the last minute.
- Secret santa with your family, plan one big meaningful present for everyone, instead of multiple gifts.
- Google items before purchasing them, you might be able to find a cheaper alternative.
-
Sell old furniture to make cash this Christmas
If you are looking to earn some cash before the Christmas pinch begins, selling your old furniture is a surefire way to make money.
According to Brad West, owner of West Antiques, these five items could earn you up to £1,000.
- Mid-century sideboards – up to £1,000
- Desks – up to £650
- Lamps – up to £100
- Chairs – up to £400
- Coffee tables – from £250
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Full list of bank branches set to close this month (2/2)
Around 57 banks are set to close nationwide within the next three weeks.
The closures come as major high street banks opt to transition more of their banking services to online.
Nationwide closures
- Birmingham – November 10
- Blaby – November 24
- Bournemouth – November 3
- Oadby – November 23
- Reading – November 3
- Shirley – November 10
Lloyds Bank closures
- Axminster – November 2
- Banstead – November 24
- Barton-on-Humber – November 2
- Belper – November 3
- Billericay – November 10
- Birmingham – November 9
- Birmingham – November 17
- Bourne – November 21
- Heald Green – November 22
- Immingham – November 15
- London (EC4) – November 1
- London (EC3) – November 15
- London (W2) – November 21
- London (W11) – November 22
- New Romney – November 7
- Purley – November 23
- Reading – November 3
- Rothbury – November 17
- Sheffield – November 3
- Sheffield – November 9
- Tonbridge – November 29
- Williton – November 24
For the full list of every bank set to close this month, click here.
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Full list of bank branches set to close this month (1/2)
Around 57 banks are set to close nationwide within the next three weeks.
The closures come as major high street banks opt to transition more of their banking services to online.
Barclays closures
- Ascot – November 3
- Barry – November 2
- Birmingham – November 3
- Gorleston-on-Sea – November 11
- Hinckley – November 3
- Llangefni – November 18
- London (SE3) – November 10
- London (EC1) – November 16
- Lytham St Annes – November 3
- Tamworth – November 23
- Tenby – November 16
- Thetford – November 2
- Wallsend – November 16
Halifax closures
- Doncaster – November 1
- Dorchester – November 22
- Dorking – November 22
- Hitchin – November 10
- London (WC1) – November 16
- Mitcham – November 22
- Newry – November 8
- Rawtenstall – November 24
- Retford – November 28
- Ripon – November 14
- Stowmarket – November 7
- Stroud – November 30
- Tiverton – November 29
- Warminster – November 2
- Whitchurch – November 17
For the full list of every bank set to close this month, click here.
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Are you eligible for the Christmas Bonus?
Brits who claim state pensions are set to receive a tax-free £10 Christmas Bonus this December.
But elderly Brits aren’t the only ones set to receive the payment.
You will also get it if you claim the following.
- 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
Don’t worry about claiming the cash, it will be sent automatically.
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Cheapest Christmas trees to get your hands on this holiday season
Here are a few of the cheapest Christmas trees on the market right now.
- B&Q – 4ft Woodland Full looking green with PVC tips: Price: £11 – buy now
- Dunelm – 6ft Essentials Christmas Tree: Price: £22 – buy now
- Argos – Home 6ft Lapland Christmas Tree Black: Price: £25 – buy now
- Amazon – Classic Artificial Realistic Natural Branches Pine Christmas Tree Xmas Green 7ft: Price: £36.99 – buy now
- Wayfair – Artificial Spruce Christmas Tree: Price: £42.99 – buy now
Check out our full guide for more details on these amazing deals.
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The John Lewis Black Friday sale is live early with massive discounts on popular items
The John Lewis Black Friday sale has been launched early, allowing Brits to get massive discounts on some of the shop’s most popular items.
Here are some of the best:
- Save £100 on a Apple iPad bundle here
- Save up to £400 on selected TVs here
- Save up to £200 on selected laundry appliances here
- Save up to £150 on selected vacuums here
- Apple and Samsung Black Friday mobile deals here
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UK’s cheapest supermarket revealed
Consumer champion Which? has examined all of Britain’s major supermarkets to see how much it costs to buy both 48 and 149 items.
According to Which? Aldi is the cheapest place to shop if you are only buying a few items, coming in at £75.79 for 48 products.
However, if you wanted to purchase a trolly of 149 items, Asda is the place to be, with the shop coming in at £348.38
