Roundup of recent DWP announcements
Third Cost of Living Payment – Help for Households
Millions of households are continuing to receive further support to ease financial pressures during 2023/2024 through Cost of Living Payments.
The first payment of £301 was paid between 25 April and 17 May 2023; a second payment of £300 was paid between 31 October and 19 November 2023; and the third payment of £299 will be paid between 6 and 22 February 2024.
This will apply to people on a qualifying means-tested benefit who were entitled to payment during the qualifying period 13 November to 12 December 2023 or a payment for an assessment period ending within the qualifying period. The 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.
The Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
You can help to let eligible claimants know when and how they'll receive their payment by downloading the Cost of Living Stakeholder Toolkit, which features newsletter copy, posters for display in public spaces, suggested social media copy and other assets, including easy read and a BSL video. Our media campaign will also run from 22 January, including adverts on Facebook, Instagram, digital display and national, regional and local radio. Read more about the range of support available at Help for Households
Final reminder for bereaved parents to check eligibility for financial support
Bereaved parents who lost their partner between 9 April 2001 and 8 February 2023 may be eligible for a backdated government payment even if they no longer have dependent children.
The Government extended eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) and Widowed Parent's Allowance (WPA) to cohabiting parents with dependent children in February 2023. These payments can be backdated to 30 August 2018.
These benefits were previously only available to bereaved parents who were married or in a civil partnership. So anyone who had dependent children when they lost their cohabiting partner and who thinks they may be eligible should check GOV.UK for more information.
DWP opened a 12-month window for cohabiting parents to backdate their claims in full. Parents whose partner died before 9 February 2023 have until the end of 8 February 2024 to do so. After this, it will not be possible to claim WPA and they will not get their full entitlement to backdated BSP. The final deadline for any backdated BSP is the end of 8 November 2024.
VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme
The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme is now open to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.
It is part of the package of over £100 million of support being delivered by the Government to help frontline delivery organisations with the increased cost of living.
Find out more and how to apply.
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