UK Government announces new funding measures to address cost of living crisis
Today, the Chancellor announced a £15 billion package of targeted government support to help with the rising cost of living. This includes support for disabled people and people on benefits.
The UK Government confirmed it will introduce new measures to address the cost of living crisis. This follows growing political pressure to address the increasing costs people are facing due to rising inflation.
We updated this news story in August and in November 2022 after the UK Government announced new details.
We know the cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact on lots of people living with MS. We’re hearing from people with MS who’ve been left in need of everyday essentials, like food, transport and medication.
What were the new measures that were announced?
The Chancellor announced the following measures, which the UK government say will target support for the most vulnerable:
- an energy bills discount
- a payment for those on the lowest income
- a disability cost of living payment
Energy bills discount
All households will receive a £400 discount on energy bills. Energy bill payers do not need to repay this.
Payment for those on the lowest income
Eight million of the lowest income families will also get a one-off payment of £650 – this includes people who get Universal Credit or legacy benefits like Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
The payment will be in two lumps sums. The first was paid in July and the second in the autumn, with payments from HMRC for those on tax credits shortly after.
If you’re eligible, you should get the second part of the payment (£324) between 8 and 23 November 2022. The UK government says there’ll be a telephone number to call if you haven’t received the payment you’re due by then. We’ll update when we have that number. At the moment you can report a missing payment at gov.uk
The payment is tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
Disability cost of living payment
In September there will be a one-off disability cost of living payment of £150 to people claiming disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and pensioners will get £300.
It’ll be paid automatically from 20 September and most eligible people can expect it by the beginning of October. If you're eligible and your haven't received it yet, you can report a missing payment at gov.uk
Are these cost-of-living payments UK-wide?
These payments all apply in England, Wales and Scotland. There's similar support in Northern Ireland.
Do I need to apply for these cost-of-living payments?
You don't need to apply for any of these payments. You’ll be paid automatically if you're elligible. Almost everyone receiving the benefits mentioned above will be eligible for the cost of living payments.
The UK Government has said that if you get a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, it might be a scam. The government has information about avoiding scams.
Find out more about about cost of living payments in England, Wales and Scotland
Find out more about cost of living payments in Northern Ireland
Short term solutions to a long term problem
Our Policy Manager, Anastasia Berry says: “As the cost of living crisis rages on – with devastating consequences for many people with MS – we’re relieved to finally be seeing some action from the Chancellor. MS is relentless, painful and exhausting, and many living with the condition are increasingly being forced to go without essentials like food and medication. News the government will provide immediate support to people who need it most, including the 2.2 million on legacy benefits who have been cruelly overlooked for two years, will come as some relief.
“We also welcome the one-off disability payment of £150, which acknowledges the higher costs faced by disabled people. However, these are short-term solutions to a long-term problem. To really help those struggling, the government must address the inadequacy of social security, ensuring it allows disabled people to live full, independent lives."
Join our campaign for better support for people with MS
While we welcome the news of immediate action we will continue to call for improvements to be made to the social security system so people with MS get the right financial support.
Join our campaigns community to campaign for better financial support and services for our MS community.
Our MS Helpline gives emotional support and information to everyone living with MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays. Call us free on 0808 800 8000.
