The latest welfare benefits news and updates from our Money Matters Team.
The second government cost of living payment – The payment of £300 will be paid between 31/10/23 – 19/11/23 depending on the payment date of the qualifying benefit. To qualify you need to be in receipt of qualifying benefit for the period of 18/08/23 – 17/09/23 or a payment for an assessment period ending within the qualifying period. Qualifying benefits include – Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, and tax credits, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. This payment is paid automatically into the bank account where a normal benefit payment goes into.
Employment boost for thousands of parents on Universal Credit – From 25/10/23 UC work coaches are going to ask parents of children aged between 3-12 years to agree to spend more time in work or applying for jobs, up to a maximum of 30 hours per week. Commitments will be tailored to the parents’ personal circumstances and availability of childcare. Click here for the more information.
New standards for energy suppliers from 14/12/23 – Ofgem has told energy suppliers they must prioritise enquires from vulnerable customers who need help. Suppliers will need to contact customers if they miss two monthly or one quarterly payment, to check if they are struggling and put affordable payment plans and other support in place. More information here.
Sure Start Maternity Grants (SSMG) – Afghan and Ukrainian Applicants – A temporary change to the six-month time limit for claiming an SSMG has been introduced for Afghan and Ukrainian applicants only. This means that parents or guardians who meet the criteria but did not apply for an SSMG within 6 months of their baby being born, can now make a claim up to 8/12/23. Click here for more information.
Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHD) for Winter 2023/24 The WHD helpline opened for calls from 16/10/23 on 0800 030 9322. WHD provides a £150 rebate onto electricity bills for eligible low-income households in receipt of Guarantee Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits, including Tax Credits, if they meet the Government’s criteria relating to home energy costs. Letters will be issued to eligible and potentially eligible people by mid-January 2024 with more information. For more information click here.
And finally …. If you need guidance with welfare benefit matters our Money Advice Team is on hand to support customers who may need help. Contact the Money Advice Team at moneymatters@greatplaces.org.uk with details and a member of the team will get back in touch.
