A continuing cost-of-living crisis has gripped the people of the UK, ringing in difficulties in day to day life expenses for millions of families. Whether it’s shopping or even making mortgage payments, the ever-growing tendency of price increases has to more than a few worried on how to bill for the month, leaving most unable to budget above that level.
Inflation hit the Bank of England’s target of 2% in June for the first time in three years but climbed to 2.2% in July. While this is a significant drop from the peak of 11.1% in October 2022, it merely indicates a slower pace of rising costs, not a return to previous price levels.
Hearing that inflation is low might be good news to many of the people, but that does not mean the costs affordability is improving, rather it is just stagnated at that particular rate.
With nearly a million more people living in absolute poverty last year compared to the previous one, and millions more on the brink, the financial outlook for many UK households remains bleak.
However, there is help available. Here’s what you need to know about the financial support you can get this September.
September 2024 Benefits and Payments
Standard Benefits
In September, regular benefits and pension payments will proceed without interruption, as there are no bank holidays. These include:
- Universal Credit
- State pension
- Pension credit
- Child benefit
- Disability living allowance
- Personal independence payment
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Employment support allowance
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance
A report from Policy in Practice indicates that nearly £23 billion in benefits remain unclaimed annually. They provide a calculator to help determine potential entitlements. For detailed information on benefit payments, visit the government’s website.
Household Support Fund: Your Last Chance to Apply
Still struggling with household bills? The Household Support Fund (HSF), introduced in the spring Budget, has been extended until the end of September 2024. But don’t wait—local councils are in charge of distributing these funds, and they can choose how they allocate them. Whether it’s cash grants, supermarket vouchers, or help with energy bills, this could be a lifeline for your household.
To find out what assistance is available in your area, check with your local council or use the End Furniture Poverty charity’s assistance finder tool.
Other Financial Aid You Might Not Know About
There are other forms of help available that could make a real difference if you’re struggling to make ends meet:
- Budgeting advance loans: If you’re on Universal Credit and face an emergency, you could borrow an advance of up to £812 (interest-free) to cover essential costs.
- Charitable grants: Depending on your situation—whether you’re disabled, a carer, unemployed, or more—you might qualify for a charitable grant. The charity Turn2us offers an online tool to help you find grants you may be eligible for.
- Energy provider assistance: Energy giants like British Gas, EDF, and Scottish Power offer help to customers struggling with their bills. British Gas even offers grants of up to £2,000 to customers of any energy provider.
- Council tax reduction: If you’re finding it hard to pay your council tax, you could be eligible for a discount of up to 100%. Contact your local council to see if you qualify for this essential support.
Don’t Miss Out on Free Childcare
Currently, working parents are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 3 to 4. From 1 September, this measure will be extended to all children aged 9 months and over.
In order to take advantage of this, be sure to understand the process of applying before the formal onset of the September term, and also make sure to check if you are still eligible every three months.
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