Money Matters – December
December 13th 2022, by SamM
It’s been a tough two and a half years and we’re aware that the winter months have brought even greater challenges for many. We would like to remind residents that we remain sensitive to how the economic climate has impacted many of you and we encourage those who are struggling to get in touch with Jane, our Welfare and Debt Advice Officer, on 020 8633 8767 or 07384 255 630 or email JaneW@ccha.biz.
Our financial focus this month is on the Cost of Living Payments and the Energy Grant.
Cost of Living Payments
If you receive certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Tax Credits, you should have received two Cost of Living Payments, from either the DWP or HMRC.
The first payments of £326 were made in Summer 2022 for those who received qualifying benefits between 25th April 2022 and 26th May 2022.
The second payment of £324 was paid directly into bank accounts between 8th and 23rd November unless you received Tax Credits only – in which case you should have received the payment by the end of November 2022. The payments showed as ‘DWP COL’ or ‘HMRC COL’ on your bank statement.
If you haven’t received either payment and think you qualify, it’s not too late – you can report a ‘missing Cost of Living payment’ online.
Energy Grant
The £400 energy grant has been split into payments of £66 in October and November, rising to £67 per month from December until March 2023. Those with a domestic electricity meter point who make payments through payment cards, standard credit and direct debit will receive an automatic deduction on their bill or have the money credited to their account.
Energy providers such as Bulb, E.ON and Octopus Energy are automatically crediting the amount to their customers’ accounts, so the bill amount is reduced.
However, companies such as British Gas, EDF, SSE and Ovo Energy are among a handful of companies charging customers their usual amount via direct debit and then crediting the grant amount into their bank account.
Those who use pre-payment meters and top up their credit before using energy will be provided with discount vouchers in the first week of each month. It is worth contacting your energy provider to confirm how they are handling this process.
Need some support?
Our Welfare & Debt Advice Officer, Jane White, is here to help. If you’d like to find out if you are claiming everything you are entitled to, or need help submitting a form, you can call Jane on 07384 255 630 or email JaneW@ccha.biz.
