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Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong>Read more<\/p>\n Higher incomes for millions have been promised with the start of the new financial year<\/a> \u2013 despite the cost of living<\/a> and inflation continuing to bite.<\/p>\n Bills increased for most households in April, making it essential to stay on top of all the support you could be receiving.<\/p>\n Households have gained from several income boosts last month, for both those in and out of work. All DWP<\/a>-administered benefits rose 1.7 per cent as the state pension<\/a> rose by 4.1 per cent in line with the triple lock. The minimum wage<\/a> also increased by an inflation-busting 6.7 per cent, giving millions of workers a bumper \u00a31,400 pay rise.<\/p>\n But there\u2019s some bad news, too. Household bills have now seen big rises across the board, including energy, water and council tax.<\/p>\n Many will also be worried about Labour\u2019s recently-announced changes to the welfare system<\/a>. Amounting to \u00a35 million in cuts<\/a>, these will see the rates for Universal Credit<\/a> change next year, followed by the criteria to claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP<\/a>) tightening.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the latest figures from millions of low-income households paint a bleak picture of the UK\u2019s economic situation. Latest research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that more than 1 in 5 people in the UK (21 per cent) were in poverty<\/a> in 2022\/23 \u2013 14.3 million people. This comprised 8.1 million working-age adults, 4.3 million children, and 1.9 million pensioners.<\/p>\n Against this difficult economic backdrop, here is an overview of the financial support available to households this May and key dates for benefit and state pension recipients to look out for:<\/p>\n Benefit payment dates in June<\/strong><\/p>\n Benefit payments will be going out as normal in March as there are no bank holidays. These include:<\/p>\n For more information on how and when state benefits are paid, visit the government\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The DWP<\/a> is aiming to complete the migration of all \u2018legacy benefits\u2019 to Universal Credit by January 2026. Those receiving tax credits<\/a>, income support, jobseeker\u2019s allowance, and housing benefit should have received a notice about moving to Universal Credit already.<\/p>\n A report from Policy in Practice this year shows that nearly \u00a323bn in benefits goes unclaimed a year \u2013 they offer a helpful calculator<\/a> to work out what you might be entitled to.<\/p>\n Have you been having issues with the DWP recently? Get in touch via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk<\/strong><\/p>\n Pension payment dates in June<\/strong><\/p>\n The basic state pension is paid straight into bank accounts similar to how benefits are paid. It is usually paid every four weeks, with the exact day you receive it corresponding to the last two digits of your national insurance (NI) number.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s when you should be paid based on those numbers:<\/p>\n Have benefit rates gone up? <\/strong><\/p>\n In April, all benefits were uprated by 1.7 per cent, matching the September 2024 inflation figure. The increase will apply to all working-age benefits, including universal credit, PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer\u2019s allowance, ESA and more.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, in line with the triple lock, the State Pension has risen by 4.1 per cent \u2013 up \u00a3472 a year \u2013 matching wage growth in 2024.<\/p>\n Things will change slightly for Universal Credit claimants next year following Labour\u2019s welfare announcements. Everyone receiving the benefit\u2019s standard allowance will see a one-off above inflation rise by \u00a37 a week from April 2026, taking it from \u00a391 to \u00a398.<\/p>\n However, the rate of the additional Universal Credit health element will be frozen from 2026 at \u00a397 until 2029\/30 (although those in this group will receive the increased standard allowance).<\/p>\n Additionally, any new claimants for the health element after April 2026 will receive a massively reduced rate of \u00a350 a week \u2013 almost \u00a32,500 less than the current level. This means it is a good idea for anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply as soon as they can.<\/a><\/p>\n Other help available<\/strong><\/p>\n Budgeting advance loans<\/strong><\/p>\n The government offers a \u2018budgeting advance loan\u2019 for people on Universal Credit who face an emergency lack of money. The loan has a maximum repayment period of two years.<\/p>\n These loans are interest-free, and automatically deducted from Universal Credit payments. You can borrow an \u2018advance\u2019 of up to:<\/p>\n Following the Labour Budget in October, a new cap has been introduced on the amount the DWP can deduct from benefit payments to repay loans and debts, including budgeting advance loans.<\/p>\n From April 2025, deductions from universal credit will be capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent.<\/p>\n Charitable grants<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for certain charitable grants. There are a wide range of grants available depending on your circumstances.<\/p>\n However, these grants will typically require you to meet specific criteria and only be able to offer limited funds.<\/p>\n Charitable grants are available for people who are disabled or ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, students \u2013 and many more. The charity Turn2us has an online tool to search for grants<\/a> which may be available to you.<\/p>\n Energy provider help<\/strong><\/p>\n A number of energy suppliers offer help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON and Octopus<\/a>. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible.<\/p>\n British Gas also offer a grant of up to \u00a32,000 to customers of any energy provider. You will need to meet specific criteria to be eligible, and can apply on the British Gas Energy Trust website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Council tax reduction<\/strong><\/p>\n If you meet certain criteria or are on certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a discount on your council tax discount of up to 100 per cent.<\/p>\n Your local council may still be able to offer you a discretionary reduction if you are able to demonstrate you are facing severe hardship and can\u2019t afford to pay your council tax.<\/p>\n\n
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