Across Suffolk, thousands of people are due to receive cost of living support this year.

The government is extending its support scheme which will see councils given nearly £850 million to support vulnerable people across the country.

Households will get up to £1,350 from the government to help cope with bills, which will be paid in the spring, summer and autumn.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: "We are sticking by our promise to protect the most vulnerable and these payments, worth hundreds of pounds, will provide vital support next year for those on the lowest incomes.

"The government’s wider support package has already helped more than eight million families as we continue to deal with the global consequences of Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic."

Here is everything you need to know about cost of living payments in 2023.

Who is eligible?

Households eligible for the payments will be currently receiving the following benefits: Universal credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Pension Credit.

If individuals are eligible they will be paid automatically and there will be no need to apply.

When will the payments be made?

The exact payment dates will be announced closer to the time but payments will be staggered across the year in spring, summer and autumn and winter, with the final payment expected in spring 2024.

The lowest-income households are due to receive up to £1,350.

What can I expect and when?

  • First cost of living payment of £301 - during spring 2023
  • Disability payment of £150 - during summer 2023
  • Second cost of living payment of £300 - during autumn 2023
  • Pensioner payment of £300 - during winter 2023/24
  • Third cost of living payment of £299 - during spring 2024

What about energy bill support?

The Energy Price Guarantee, which protects customers from increases in energy costs by limiting the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy used, will continue until April 2024.

Over this period a typical household bill in the country will be reduced to around £3,000 which is expected to save £500 on bills for the average household.

Earlier this week, council leaders in Suffolk committed £1.5million to support foodbanks as the number of users continues to rise as the cost of living crisis persists.