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<p>The Government understands that people across the UK and especially the most vulnerable
members of society, such as those suffering from long-term health conditions and disabilities,
are worried about the rising cost of living. That is why the Government is taking
decisive action to get households through this winter, while ensuring we act in a
fiscally responsible way.</p><p> </p><p>People in receipt of extra-costs disability
benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance
(DLA) will receive a one-off Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150 from 20th September,
to help with the extra costs disabled people are facing. The DWP has already processed
around 6 million such payments.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is also providing a £650
Cost of Living Payment to recipients of means-tested benefits, to support people with
low incomes with the rising cost of living. Individuals who have limited ability to
work because of their health condition, and are in receipt of means-tested benefits
such as income-related Employment and Support Allowance or the Universal Credit Health
top up, are therefore eligible for this support.</p><p> </p><p>Those living with a
long-term health condition, such as sickle cell disease, can also benefit from other
forms of non-means-tested support which the Government is providing to assist with
UK households’ energy bills.</p><p> </p><p>Firstly via the recently announced Energy
Price Guarantee, a typical UK household will have to pay energy bills equivalent to
no more than £2500 a year this winter. The Energy Price Guarantee will reduce the
unit cost of electricity and gas and will supersede the existing energy price cap.
Beyond April 2023, a Treasury-led review will consider how to support households and
businesses with energy bills after April 2023.</p><p> </p><p>Secondly via the Energy
Bills Support Scheme, which will provide £400 to help with domestic energy bills.
All households in Council Tax bands A-D will also receive the Government-funded £150
Council Tax Rebate, which will be delivered by Local Authorities.</p><p> </p><p>Lastly,
to support households who need further help or who are not eligible for elements of
the wider package of support, the Government is also providing an extra £500 million
of local support to help with the cost of essentials, via the Household Support Fund.</p>
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