Across the UK millions of households will be struggling to keep up with the ever-rising cost of living with the energy price cap being increased to £3,549 per year starting from the 1st of October 2022.
The UK government has previously announced that it is providing over £15 billion in support, targeting those who are in need with the package comes alongside a previously announced support plan worth £22 billion.
This means that almost all vulnerable households will receive payments totalling £1,200 this year, to help them with the rising cost of living.
The Energy bills support scheme has been doubled earlier this year and will now give a one off payment of £400, which will be paid by energy suppliers to all households with a domestic electricity meter.
The money will be paid in six instalments, with first coming in October 2022. The first two payments will be for £66, with £67 paid for the remaning four.
Direct debit and credit customers will have the money credited to their account or thier direct debit reduced, while customers with pre-payment meters will have the money applied to their meter or paid via a voucher.
The support will apply directly to households in England, Scotland and Wales, with an equivalent given to Northern Ireland.
These payments will be automatic, and you won’t have to pay them back.
In addition to the support from the UK Government, Scotland will be providing financial help through the introduction of the Low-Income Winter Heating Assistance.
The Low-Income Winter Heating Assistance will start In February next year and will be replacing the current Cold Weather Payment. This new bill will give those who currently are on benefits £50 once a year to help with energy bills double the amount gving by the old payments.
The winter heating assistance will be automatically paid and unlike its predecessor, it is not being affected by the weather.