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Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong>Read more<\/p>\n Across the UK, millions of people claim certain benefits <\/a>to help them cover the cost of living. Around 24 million people in the country are now in receipt of some combination of DWP<\/a>-administered benefits, which are becoming more essential than ever to grapple with rising costs.<\/p>\n As we pass the midway point of the year, the unwelcome shock of April\u2019s bill rises <\/a>may have settled, but many continue to struggle. Increases to benefits, the state pension and the minimum wage will have gone some way to offset these costs, but inflation continues to outstrip incomes for most.<\/p>\n Latest figures from millions of low-income households paint a difficult picture of the UK\u2019s economic situation. 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.<\/p>\n Against this difficult economic backdrop, it\u2019s important that households are claiming all the support the they entitled to. Research by Policy in Practice shows that \u00a323bn worth of benefits goes unclaimed every year \u2013 you can use their helpful calculator<\/a> to work out what you might be entitled to.<\/p>\n Are you having an issue with the DWP or cost of living? Get in touch via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk<\/strong><\/p>\n Here is an overview of the financial support available to households this July and key dates for benefit and state pension recipients to look out for:<\/p>\n Benefit payment dates in July<\/strong><\/p>\n Benefit payments will be going out as normal in July 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 is aiming to complete the migration of all \u2018legacy benefits\u2019 to Universal Credit by January 2026. Those receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker\u2019s allowance, and housing benefit should have received a notice about moving to Universal Credit already.<\/p>\n Many will also be worried about Labour\u2019s planned changes to the welfare system<\/a>, which amount to \u00a35 million in cuts. There is still some time before these come into effect, with the rates for Universal Credit changing in April next year, followed by the criteria to claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)<\/a> tightening in November.<\/p>\n Are you having issues with PIP, Universal Credit, or any other benefit? Get in touch via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk<\/strong><\/p>\n Pension payment dates in July<\/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 applied 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 Discretionary Housing Payment<\/p>\n Households can apply to their council for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), which offers financial support to go towards rent or housing costs. <\/p>\n You can only get a DHP if you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. It can cover housing costs for a rent shortfall, rent deposits and rent in advance if you need to move home.<\/p>\n Exact eligibility and the funds available are decided on a council-by-council basis, so you will need to get in touch with your local authority to find out more.<\/p>\n Household Support Fund<\/p>\n The Household Support Fund (HSF), distributed by local councils, offers vital assistance to those facing financial hardship, complementing standard benefits and grants.<\/p>\n As part of this government initiative, eligible households throughout the UK can access support such as essential appliances, contributions towards utility bills, and direct cash payments reaching up to \u00a3300.<\/p>\n Local authorities are free to decide how to allocate their HSF funding to suit households in their area, so exactly what is available will vary. To apply, households need to contact their council (most offer an online form).<\/p>\n This nationwide program is set to run until March 2026. The government has committed \u00a31 billion in funding to transition it into a ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’, which will also replace the DHP.<\/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 British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON and Octopus<\/a>. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible.<\/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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