MILLIONS of people getting state pension and struggling with bills could get extra help.
Household costs are rocketing including energy bills and the supermarket shop.
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And experts today warned that things could get worse, as the Bank of England predicted inflation could hit 10%.
It means the costs of everyday items and services are rising at a faster rate than people’s income.
State pension payments increased in April, but only by 3.1%, leaving many feeling the pinch on their finances.
But you could be missing out on extra help worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds – here’s what you could get and how to apply.
Unclaimed benefits – up to £3,300
Even if you’re getting the state pension now, you could be entitled to more.
Charity Turn2us estimates that at least seven million people across the UK are missing out on over £15 billion of unclaimed benefits.
A whopping £1.7billion a year in Pension Credit alone is going spare, and is worth as much as £3,300 a year to those on low incomes in retirement.
You can find free-to-use online benefits calculators to work out what you’re entitled to.
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There are several out there, including from Turn2US, EntitledTo and Poilicy in Practice.
Once you’ve used the tools you can use the contact information on Gov.uk to get the ball rolling and apply for what you’re owed.
The tools only provide an indicator of what benefits you can claim – and usually don’t include means-tested benefits, so you may be entitled to even more.
For example, you will usually qualify for extra financial help if you have disabled child or you’re a carer.
Council tax discount – up to £1,898
Some households on low incomes could be eligible for a discount on their council tax bill.
As one of the biggest bills for households and the worst consequences if you get behind, finding out if you can get a reduction could help you get by.
In some cases you could even get your bill reduced to zero and with the average bill for a band D home at £1,898, that could save a significant sum.
To find out if you’re eligible and apply you’ll need to contact your local council – you can find yours using the gov.uk tool, just enter your postcode.
Household support fund – up to £150
Local councils are giving out cash top help households struggling with bills and other essential costs.
How much you can get depends on where you live and in many areas getting Pension Credit means you qualify for the help.
The scheme was extended in March, so if you missed out last time, you’ve got another chance to apply.
For instance Runnymede council in Surrey was giving out £150 through the household support fund earlier this year.
To see what’s available where you are, and to apply, you’ll need to check with your local council.
You can search for yours using the search tool on gov.uk – just enter your postcode.
Local councils also offer welfare assistance schemes all year round that can help you with bills too
Energy supplier grant – up to £750
Energy suppliers are offering cash grants to those hardest hit by bills rises.
For instance Shell Energy and British Gas have increased their own hardship funds to help customers.
And Octopus Energy has increased its financial hardship fund, Octo Assist, from £2.5million to £5million.
But the amount can vary according to your supplier and your circumstances.
If you’re on benefits or have a low income you could qualify. Ask your supplier what’s on offer and how to apply.
There are also grants available that could support you making bill payments.
There are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that offer cash to help struggling families.
This could help with food, bills or buying essential white goods like a cooker or washing machine if you don’t have the cash to hand.
Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.
Council Tax rebate – £150
Around 80% of households will get a £150 council tax rebate to help with the rising cost of living.
You will be eligible if you live in a property in council tax bands A to D.
If you pay your bill by direct debit, your local authority will automatically credit the refund to your account from this month.
It will be paid after you’ve settled your council tax bill for April, so the exact date will vary.
If you pay by another method, you will have to apply for the refund through your local council.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households in other bands.
Some councils like Camden have opened applications for the cash worth up to £150.
And the most hard-up households could even qualify for extra payments.
New bill discount scheme – £200
The government has announced the every single household will get a £200 discount on their energy bill this year.
This is part of a package of support designed to help Brits struggling as costs rise and will be applied automatically, but not until October.
The money does have to be paid back, but it will be in the form of £40 added to annual bills over five years from next year.
Martin Lewis has explained how the scheme will work and that it’s more like a levy than a loan – here’s what he said.
Warm home discount scheme – £150
You can get £150 off your energy bills with the Warm Home Discount scheme, which will open for applications later this year.
It was previously worth £140 but has been boosted by £10 for the next batch of payments.
The scheme is currently closed but you should keep an eye out for it launches again later in 2022.
Anyone on pension credit gets the bill discount automatically.
Others who are eligible because they are on a low income need to apply and this can include those on Universal Credit.
You will have to make a claim to your supplier. Keep an eye out for when applications open from August.
Cold weather payment – up to £75
When temperatures plummet those in low income households can get a £25 payment.
These cold weather payments have already been made in several locations where residents have experienced below zero weather.
The payment is made automatically, including to those on Universal Credit, for each seven day period of low temperatures between November 1 and March 31.
In the coldest areas three £25 payments have been made so far this winter, adding up to £75 in total.
See if your postcode has qualified for a payment and make sure you got it if you were eligible.
Winter fuel payment scheme – up to £300
Millions of retirees can get extra cash to help with energy bills worth between £100 and £300.
Anyone getting the state pension should get the winter fuel payment to help cover the extra cost of heating in the winter months.
Usually the payment is made automatically and how much energy bill help you get depends on your circumstances.
How much you get depends on your age and whether you get certain benefits, and getting the payment won’t affect them.
It’s paid in the same way as you get your state pension payments and winter fuel payments are usually made between November and December.
You can check the amounts available at gov.uk.
If you’re worried about falling behind on bills. there are plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
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