Check what money you'll get to help with the cost of living this autumn

Free childcare – apply now, don’t miss out!

If you live in England and have a child aged three or four, you may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare a week for 38 weeks a year.

The deadline for applications is 31 August, so you’ll need to act fast.

Who can get it?

To be eligible, you’ll need to be earning:

• a minimum of the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage (about £167 a week)
• less than £100k a year as two parents combined or a single parent

You can apply from when your child is two years and 36 weeks old

How to claim

You can apply on the government website.

You’ll need:

• you and your partner’s (if you have one) national insurance number
• your unique taxpayer reference if you’re self employed

Applying should take about 20 minutes.

What will happen next?

You may find out if you’re eligible straightaway, but it can take up to seven days.

Once your application is approved, you’ll be given a code. You give this to your chosen childcare provider to get your free childcare.

£300 cost-of-living payment

Millions of households will receive £300 this autumn to help with the cost of living. The exact date people will receive the payment hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Are you eligible?

To qualify, you must have had a payment for one of the following means-tested benefits:

• universal credit
• working tax credit
• child tax credit
• income-related employment and support allowance
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• pension credit

How do I apply?

There’s no need to apply. Payments will be made automatically.

Winter fuel payment

If you were born before 25 September 1957, you may get a winter fuel payment to help you cover the cost of your heating bills.

How much will I get?

You’ll get between £250 and £600. This includes a pensioner cost-of-living payment of between £150 and £300. This is on top of any other cost-of-living payments you’re entitled to because you receive benefits or tax credits.

How do I make a claim?

Most people will get the payment automatically if they’re eligible.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November letting you know.

If you don’t get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

When will I get the money?

You should be paid in November or December. Find out what to do if you don’t get paid.