£449 warning as households braced for October money changes

A number of money changes are happening from next month, impacting household finances

Millions of households have been warned they could be up to £449 worse off from October. Next month will bring a raft of money changes in the lead up to winter.

October marks the time when the Government begins to dish out winter support, while energy bills are going up. It will make for a turbulent time for the finances of families up and down the country and it's important people are aware of what's coming and how they will be affected.

Energy bills will be increasing by £149 for the typical household from October. On top of that, around 10 million pensioners will no longer get Winter Fuel Payments, worth up to £300, after they were made means-tested by the Government.

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Combined, these people will be £449 worse off on average. Those who will still get Winter Fuel Payments, including those on Pension Credit, should get the cash between November and Christmas.

Other support is on the way for some pensioners and low-income households, but it may not arrive next month. The Warm Home Discount is launching again in October but eligible people can get the support at any point up to March.

It provides a £150 discount to energy bills one time only during winter, but it's up to energy suppliers to decide when to apply it. Meanwhile, cost of living payments will also be available this winter.

People struggling with their bills will have to apply to their local councils for these Household Support Fund payments, worth hundreds of pounds in some areas. Local authorities are expected to launch their funds from October but payments may not be available until a bit later in winter.

Check your local council's Household Support Fund pages online for full details.