It’s been announced that over 8 million households in the UK will receive the second cost-of-living payment from today, with a further payment due to be made to eligible households by spring next year.

The payments are tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards. Those who are eligible will be paid automatically and do not need to apply for the payment or do anything to receive it.

In addition, nearly three million low-income households are also eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount.

From the beginning of November, cold weather payments will also come into effect to provide eligible households £25 extra a week when the temperature is zero or below for more than seven days across the UK.

If you are in need of additional support over winter please check your eligibility through the Help for Households website for the various cost-of-living schemes that are place.