Full list of free cash worth up to £1,500 if you DON'T qualify for latest cost of living payment – how to claim | The Sun
THOSE who are not eligible for the latest £150 cost of living disability payment could still be entitled to cash worth up to £1,500.
There are plenty of grants, schemes and other one-off payments you could get – so let's take a look.
Six million people are eligible for the latest £150 income boost, which is a government grant designed to reduce care and mobility costs.
The cash is due to reach most eligible Brits by July 4, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says 99% have received theirs by now.
A small number of people will see the £150 land in their accounts after July 4.
This will apply if you were awaiting confirmation of your eligibility for the qualifying benefits on April 1.
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The benefits that qualify you for the £150 cost of living payment are:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
If the above doesn't apply to you, there could still be some free cash headed your way instead.
Here's a roundup of your options, including one grant offering up to £1,500.
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£900 cost of living payment
Millions on means-tested benefits like Universal Credit are eligible for the £900 cost of living payment.
It's a support payment paid to households in the UK that are struggling the most.
This payment will be tax-free and will not have any effect on any existing benefit payments that you receive.
More than eight million people will receive the cash, which is split into three parts.
The first £301 was paid earlier this year, and the second payment of £300 will be made in the Autumn.
Meanwhile, the third instalment of £299 will be paid in Spring next year.
You'll only get it if you are claiming one of these benefits below.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit
The next two payments will show in your bank account as "DWP COLP" along with your National Insurance (NI) number.
If you think you're eligible but haven't been receiving the payments, contact the DWP.
There's a form to fill in on the DWP website using this URL link: dwp.gov.uk/report-a-missing-cost-of-living-payment/welcome.
You'll need to have your National Insurance number to hand.
Energy supplier grants
Many energy suppliers have their own grants going to help cash-tight customers.
Some of them are actually open to non-customers, like the British Gas Energy Support fund which offers any applicant up to £1,500 in support.
You'll still need to meet a list of criteria though, which we covered in our article.
British Gas, E.ON, Octopus and Ovo all offer grants worth hundreds of pounds.
If you don't know who your supplier is, you can find out using the Ofgem supplier search tool on its website.
You can also just phone up and ask your supplier what help is available – they'll be able to offer options or point you in the direction of someone else who can help.
Council tax rebate
You can get up to £150 back from the council to help pay for your energy bills.
You'll need to be paying council tax in bands A to D to get it, and youhave to be the one paying for your household.
However, each council is responsible for deciding who is eligible for the cash and how or when the payment is dished out.
If you're not sure which band you belong to, you can check it using the tool on the government website. Just pop in your postcode.
You can also claim council tax rebate if you get a Council Tax Reduction, the Disabled Band Reduction or are subject to immigration controls.
Household Support Fund
You might be able to extra help via the Household Support Fund.
The £842million fund has been set up by the Government and distributed it among councils in England.
They then decide how to share their portion of the fund.
That means what you can get depends on where you live, but in most cases help is offered to those on a low income or benefits.
The type of support on offer varies as well – some local authorities are offering out food or utility bill vouchers while others are making direct bank transfers.
You should check with your local council if you can get help through the fund.
If you don't know what council area you fall under, you can use the Government's council locator tool on its website.
Some recent examples include Wolverhampton Council, which is offering residents up to £170 for food and fuel costs.
If you apply now and you're successful, the money could arrive within seven to 10 working days.
You'll need to show you're under some level of financial difficulty – whether you're receiving benefits or can prove your income is low.
Also, residents living in Torridge can get thousands of pounds in support under the HSF scheme.
There isn't a set limit on how much people can get, but struggling households could get anywhere between £600 and £1,000.
The amount depends on the individual's circumstances.
The money will be paid directly into bank accounts and will be paid within 14 working days of application.
Water bill help
You could get a water-saving device from your water company which could help cut down on your bills.
To find out more, contact your supplier. You can find out who that is using a checker tool like this one.
But freebies such as shower timers and buffalo bags could be up for grabs, which save water with every flush. Have a look at different options on the Save Water Save Money website.
And even if this isn't available to you, there are still schemes and grants out there to help ease the pressure of soaring bills.
For example, Severn Trent has given out more than 3,000 grants worth on average £781 and helped nearly 400 households buy essential appliances.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances, like losing their job, which means they can't pay their bill.
Meanwhile customers of Thames Water whose long-term circumstances mean they can't afford to buy new essential household goods may be able to get a grant from the Thames Water Trust Fund.
This includes help to buy washing machines, fridges and beds.
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Applications are made on a referral basis, with the trust working with local debt advice agencies such as Citizens Advice to identify those who need the support.
But make sure to check with your supplier on what help is available – it can differ depending on who you're with.
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