15 ways to increase your monthly income before end of the year
06.12.2022 - 16:33
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Millions of households across Scotland and the rest of the UK are bracing for the first prolonged snap of colder weather this winter which is forcing everyone to tighten their spending belts at the prospect of switching on the heating. Despite this month’s £67 discount on electricity bills and the UK Government’s £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee, bills are getting higher while incomes either stay the same or get lower.
While most people have reviewed their outgoings and streamlined their finances as much as they comfortably can, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are claiming all the available financial support you are entitled to. This includes benefits, Council Tax Reductions and TV licence discounts.
Many people mistakenly believe there is a stigma attached to claiming benefits, but it’s worthwhile noting an estimated £15 billion state support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) went unclaimed over the last year. The Scottish Government recently launched a new website, offering a 'one stop shop' to help households and individuals quickly check for additional support.
There are several ways to boost your finances, but you will need to invest a bit of time for some of them - however, doing these now could make winter 2022 and the start of the New Year a bit easier.
How much you will receive depends on your household circumstances, but we have a handy guide to it here.
The main one to check your eligibility for is Universal Credit which is designed to help households on a low income or out of work.
The UK Government states that a person may be able to get Universal Credit if:
You are on a low-income or out of work
You are 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
You are under State Pension