Due to the cost-of-living crisis the government announced a £15 billion package of additional financial support to help households with the rising costs. The package includes cost of living payments for vulnerable groups (means-tested/disability benefit claimants and pensioners). The payments are tax-free and won’t count towards the benefit cap or reduce existing benefit entitlement. 

Payments for people receiving specified means-tested benefits of £650 will be paid direct to eligible claimants receiving; Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or tax credits

Camden want to make sure that we can help as many residents as possible and has a Cost-of-Living Crisis Fund which is in extremely high demand.  Further information regarding the Cost of Living Crisis fund can be found in the Cost of Living Fund briefing note. 

The award values for October 2023 to March 2024 are:

Crisis award applications should always be linked to an advice intervention that builds sustainable solutions including:

• Income maximisation
• Advice on reducing costs (e.g. food co-operatives, help with energy costs, green travel)
• Employment support
• Childcare
• Referrals for specialist debt and benefit advice
• Wider issues such as mental health and wellbeing support
• Digital inclusion