By Linda Howard

Copyright dailyrecord

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed earlier this year that there are no plans to issue any more cost of living payments in 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, the DWP issued a series of one-off payments to help people cope with the cost of living crisis as energy bills and inflation soared to record-breaking levels. However, in a new update on the dedicated Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK, DWP explains that a computer program was used to identify eligible claimants for payments. People who did not receive any of the one-off payouts, but believe they should have, can now “contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it”. The update states: “DWP uses a computer program to identify those eligible to receive a Cost of Living Payment. If you are not content with this you can contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it.” A full list of all the Cost of Living Payments issued by the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), along with the qualifying period for entitlement, can be found on GOV.UK. These included: Energy bills are set to rise on October 1and fluctuating inflation rates means people are still paying more for everyday food items, clothing and fuel. However, many households could be due an income boost from unclaimed benefits or discounts on Council Tax and setting aside 10 minutes to use a free, confidential benefits calculator could ease the financial pressure going into summer. People on a low income could be entitled to a saving of up to £850 a year through the Council Tax Reduction scheme, which is only available north of the border. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show nearly half a million households (one in five) were eligible for a Council Tax Reduction in July – full details on how to claim can be found here. Older people on a low income may be entitled to an income boost, worth on average £4,300, through Pension Credit . The latest figures from the DWP suggest 760,000 people are eligible for the means-tested benefit but not claiming it. Some pensioners think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, however, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234. Expert help and advice is also available from: More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on GOV.UK here. People under State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could be worth between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. People over State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could be worth either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, some £295.60 or £441.60 every four-week pay period. An online benefits calculator isn’t a magic wand to wave away money worries, but it can give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could be eligible to claim – but it’s up to you to actually make the application. There is a wide range of benefits and payments available you should check for. You should check if: Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use – so there’s nothing to lose. In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have. You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out: Advice Direct Scotland The benefits calculators below provide information on income-related benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours. Gather the following information before you start and the whole process should just take about 10 minutes