DWP Cost of Living payments worth £250 land in UK bank accounts from this week

UK households may be eligible for up to £250 Cost of Living payments before Christmas. As part of the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Household Support Fund, households can get support.

While Bristol City Council is still in the process of allocating the next round of funding, councils elsewhere have already made an announcement on this - including Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has announced: "Residents living in Rotherham can apply for the Council's Energy Crisis Scheme from 18 October 2024. If you are concerned about increasing household bills, the Council's Energy Crisis Support Scheme may be able to help with a payment of up to £250."

The criteria for applicants are clear: "Applicants must have no more than £150 a month left over after paying for all of their essential costs such as food, rent or mortgage and utility bills. The funding is not means tested and residents do not need to be claiming benefits in order to be eligible."

Further support is available for older residents, as the council explains: "If you are over State Pension age and on a low income, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. If you get Pension Credit, you may also access other support such as Housing Benefit, Winter Fuel Payment, Support for Mortgage Interest and more.", reports Birmingham Live.

It adds: "If you are over State Pension age and on a low income, you may be able to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95 (the qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances)."

"If you feel that you may meet these criteria and have not recently made an application for Pension Credit we would encourage you to do so. You can check if you should be receiving Pension Credit by visiting the Government's web site at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by ringing 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)."

To qualify for the Energy Crisis Support Scheme, applicants will need to provide some basic information about their current financial situation, which includes a recent bank statement where relevant, their most recent energy bill, and estimated monthly expenditure and income. They will also have the chance to show how they have been financially impacted by the energy and cost of living increase, either through text or by uploading a document.