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<p>The government has announced further support for next year designed to target the
most vulnerable households, including those families raising disabled children. This
cost of living support is worth £26 billion in 2023/24 in addition to benefits uprating,
which is worth £11 billion to working-age households and people with disabilities.
Further details on cost of living payments in 2023/24 is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payments-2023-to-2024"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payments-2023-to-2024</a>.</p><p>This
means that over eight million households across the UK will be supported via additional
Cost of Living Payments. The government is also increasing benefits in line with September
inflation by 10.1% and will continue to provide support to all households through
the Energy Price Guarantee, which caps the price households will pay for each unit
of energy. This will save the average UK household £500 in 2023/24.</p><p>In addition,
over six million people across the UK on eligible ‘extra costs’ disability benefits
will receive a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023/24, to help
with the additional costs they face. This is in addition to the cost of living payments
for households on means-tested benefits and pensioner households, if eligible.</p><p>In
2023/24, the government is investing £27.3 million in Support for Families with Disabled
Children Funding to support low-income families raising seriously ill or children
with disabilities in England, by providing small grants to purchase equipment, goods,
and activities, which would otherwise be inaccessible. This funding is currently administered
by our delivery partner, the Family Fund Trust.</p><p>The government has provided
£842 million for 2023/24 to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to
support those most in need, and to help with global inflationary challenges and the
rising cost of living via the Household Support Fund. Local authorities can decide
how to run this scheme and who is eligible, but the funding is aimed at anyone who
is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials, which can include families raising children
with disabilities.</p>
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