Key Highlights
- The state pension is expected to rise by 4.7 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth.
- Around 14 million adults are going without food because they cannot afford it, according to the Trussell Trust.
- Energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, rising to £4.4bn by the end of June.
- The basic state pension is paid every four weeks, with payments on Monday for those with NI numbers ending in 00-19 and Tuesday for others.
Managing the Cost of Living Crisis: Support Available for Households
As we approach the end of November 2025, many households face a challenging financial landscape. The ongoing cost of living crisis has pushed millions to the brink, with rising bills and stagnant wages exacerbating the situation. According to recent research by the Trussell Trust, approximately 14 million adults are currently struggling to afford food, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Meanwhile, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, reaching a staggering £4.4 billion by June.
This financial burden is not only affecting individual households but also the broader economy. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation warns that low-income families in the UK are on course for the worst fall in living standards on record by the next election in 2029.
Supporting Households Through Financial Assistance
In light of these challenges, it is crucial for households to claim all available support they are entitled to. Around 24 million people across the country are currently claiming some combination of DWP-administered benefits, representing one in three individuals.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is aiming to complete the migration of legacy benefits to universal credit by January 2026. Those receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, or housing benefit should have already received a notice about moving to universal credit. If you are experiencing issues with PIP, universal credit, or any other benefit, contact Albert Toth at [email protected] for assistance.
Key Payment Dates and Benefit Increases
In November 2025, benefit payments will proceed as usual without any interruptions due to bank holidays. The DWP is also targeting the completion of legacy benefits migration to universal credit by early next year. As for pension payment dates in November, the basic state pension is paid every four weeks based on the last two digits of your national insurance number:
- 00-19: Monday
- 20-39: Tuesday
- 40-59: Wednesday
- 60-79: Thursday
- 80-99: Friday
In April 2026, all universal credit claimants will receive an above-inflation income boost of around 6.2 per cent. This adjustment means a £6 increase for single people over 25 and a £9 increase for couples with one or both partners over 25.
Additional Financial Support Options
Beyond the standard benefits, there are several other forms of financial support available to those in need. The government offers “budgeting advance loans” for people on universal credit who face an emergency lack of money. These interest-free loans can be borrowed up to £812 and automatically deducted from universal credit payments.
In April 2025, the DWP will cap deductions from benefit payments at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent.
This reduction is significant for those receiving health-related elements of universal credit, as the rate will be cut from £105 to £50.
Households can also apply to their local council for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) or access the household support fund (HSF), which offers assistance with rent and utility bills. The government has committed £1 billion in funding to transition the HSF into a “Crisis and Resilience Fund” by March 2026.
Charitable grants are also available for those struggling financially, covering various circumstances such as disability or unemployment. Turn2us offers an online tool to search for relevant grants.
Energy Assistance and Social Tariffs
For those facing energy bills, several providers offer assistance programs. British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, and Octopus all provide help for struggling households, including free devices like electric blankets for vulnerable residents.
Additionally, social tariffs are available from both water and broadband providers to support low-income households. While the availability of these tariffs varies by region, they can offer substantial relief on bills.
Conclusion
The cost of living crisis remains a pressing issue for millions of British households. By claiming all eligible benefits and seeking additional support where needed, families can navigate this challenging period more effectively. As the government continues to address these issues, it is essential that individuals remain informed about available financial assistance.
