Households may be missing out on DWP cost of living support, energy bill grants and council assistance as living costs rise due to Middle East oil price increases

The cost of living could be set to rise sharply for many UK households. This follows the conflict in the Middle East which has caused oil prices to soar, potentially impacting petrol prices, energy bills, grocery costs and more.

However, some individuals may be eligible for more support than they are currently receiving. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), your utility suppliers, and your local council may offer cost of living support for households struggling to cover the essentials.

Citizens Advice has outlined who is eligible and how to claim your entitlement. Check below to see if you qualify.

DWP benefits

The DWP can provide much more than just the monthly or weekly benefit payments it offers. Claiming your entitlement, even if you only receive a minimal payment, can make you eligible for a range of other support like discounts or grants for essential bills, reports the Mirror.

There are online benefit checkers available where you can see exactly what you’re entitled to. People who are sick, disabled, on a low income, or have caring duties may be eligible for certain benefits.

If you’re struggling with the cost of living and only starting your benefits application now, you may be able to get your first payment early whilst you’re waiting for your application to be processed. This is known as a short-term benefit advance.

Advances are available for:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• State Pension

These advances do need to be repaid. Typically, the DWP will deduct from your future benefit payments until the total amount is fully returned. The repayments can be spread out over several weeks or months depending on which benefit you are claiming.

Suppliers

As energy bills become increasingly concerning for households, many individuals may be able to receive support directly from their supplier. This could include grants, fuel vouchers or being placed on a social tariff to reduce your cost of living.

Certain grants can also assist in making your home more energy efficient by helping with the cost of:

• A new boiler
• Boiler repairs
• Loft or cavity wall insulation
• A heat pump

Several energy suppliers also offer grants to help individuals settle their energy debts. Citizens Advice suggests contacting your supplier directly to see what additional support they can provide.

Local councils

Your local council may be able to assist with a variety of cost of living support, including fuel vouchers. However, each council may have different offerings and eligibility criteria so it’s best to check your local council’s website for more details.

Councils might also provide ‘Warm Welcome’ spaces that can be used by anyone to offer some relief. Each space is unique but Citizens Advice notes that these spaces often provide things like hot food and drinks, activities, community meeting places, access to the internet and computer assistance.