Benefits

Millions of struggling households will receive additional 'cost of living' payments in 2023 and 2024, with the rough payment dates now confirmed by the Government. Here's everything we know about these cost of living payments - and what to do if you've still not received your 2022 support.  

Some claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) say they have yet to receive their money for this month, leaving many struggling for cash ahead of Christmas. The disability payments were due to be paid on Monday (5 December).

Over a million people who claim tax credits will get their second cost of living payment from today (23 November). Below we breakdown who's eligible and how you'll be paid, plus what to do if you don't receive your payment but think you should have. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (17 November) announced tax changes, state pension rises and further cost of living help. The measures come as part of today's Autumn Statement, which also contains major changes to the Government's energy support package. Below we analyse what's changing – you can also watch MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis's instant reaction.

If you live in Scotland and claim certain means-tested benefits, and you have children under 16, you can now claim £25 a week per child in 'Scottish child payment'. The benefit has today been extended to reach more families, while the amount you can claim has also been boosted. Over 400,000 children could now be eligible. 

Virgin Media has cut the cost of its 'Essential' broadband tariff for households on universal credit, from £15 a month to £12.50 a month – making it the cheapest social tariff on the market. The price drop is effective immediately for both new and existing customers. The provider has also launched a new faster plan, available from today (10 November), which costs £20 a month.

About eight million of the UK's poorest households will start to receive the second half of their £650 cost of living payment from today (Tuesday 8 November). Here's all you need to know on whether you're eligible and when you'll get your payment.

Additional £150 cost-of-living payments for those with disabilities were due to start on 20 September, but over six weeks later some people are still waiting to be paid. The Government insists the vast majority of the six million due the payment have received it and has said that those still waiting should be paid by the end of this week (by 14 November). 

The Prime Minister today (19 October) said she was "completely committed" to the triple lock, meaning millions of people claiming the state pension could receive a 10.1% increase in payments from April. However, given the ongoing cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty the Government has yet to officially confirm whether this will be the case, or whether benefits will rise by the same amount. 

Almost eight million people in the UK are currently struggling to pay their bills, according to the financial regulator. If you are facing financial difficulty, we explain how to check if you're eligible for support and how to try and cut costs and save on essential bills.