Cost of living help

On 26 May 2022, the Government announced measures it is taking to support individuals with the cost of living crisis, including a one-off £650 payment to support the UK’s most vulnerable.

What does this mean for you?

• Who – every UK household will receive a £400 energy grant to keep (not repayable). The payment will be made to households who pay for their energy through a domestic supply contract. The grant is not means-tested, so you will receive the grant regardless of your income level.
• When – payment is expected from October 2022
• How – there is no need to make a claim. The £400 will automatically be applied to your account by your energy provider. Prepayment meter customers will either have the £400 applied to their meter or be issued with a voucher.

Supporting the UK’s vulnerable

A £650 payment will be made to individuals/households who are receiving means-tested benefits.

• Who – individuals receiving Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance,  Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit and/or Pension Credit.
• When – payment will be made in two lump sum payments, the first from July 2022 and the second in the autumn of 2022.
• Joint claimants - will receive one £650 in total, paid in two lump sum payments during July 2022 and autumn 2022.
• Payment is tax-free and will have no impact on existing benefits.

There are eight million households on means-tested benefits in the UK. If you know someone who is vulnerable, they may not be aware of or understand the support they are entitled to, so please feel free to share this information.

More information is available in the Government's Cost of living support factsheet and on the Government's Help for Household's website.

Struggling to cope?

If you are overwhelmed or struggling financially or emotionally, please visit the wellbeing support pages for information and details of organisations who can support you through these difficult times.