The Government has a number of schemes available to help boost your income. Learn more about what support is on offer below.
Discretionary Housing Payment
You can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments if you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and require help to:
- Meet the shortfall between the Housing Benefit or Universal Credit paid and the eligible rent
- Cover the cost of moving to a more affordable property
- Cover rent arrears that are putting your tenancy at risk
Increasing the National Insurance threshold
From July, employees who earn £36,600 or under (around 70% of workers) will pay less National Insurance. A typical employee will save over £330 a year.
This means you can earn £12,570 a year completely tax-free.
Cold Weather Payments
You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could be eligible for help to pay your heating bills through the Winter Fuel Payment. This is paid automatically, but check your eligibility here.
Claim Marriage Allowance
Marriage Allowance allows you to transfer 10% (£1,260) of your personal tax allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner if you earn less than the personal tax allowance, which is usually £12,570.
Pension Credit
You could get extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income: even if you have savings or own your own home.
Universal Credit
If you’re on low income, out of work or cannot work you may be eligible for Universal Credit. The government has made changes to allow working families to keep more of their money.
Teaming up with business
The government has been working with businesses to deliver discounts for families. These include £1 meals for children under 16 in Asda cafes. More details about discounts businesses are offering can be found here.
More information about support for the energy crisis can be found here. Expect more to be announced in the coming months.