Benefits

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (17 November) announced tax changes, state pension rises and further cost of living help. The measures come as part of today's Autumn Statement, which also contains major changes to the Government's energy support package. Below we analyse what's changing – you can also watch MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis's instant reaction.

If you live in Scotland and claim certain means-tested benefits, and you have children under 16, you can now claim £25 a week per child in 'Scottish child payment'. The benefit has today been extended to reach more families, while the amount you can claim has also been boosted. Over 400,000 children could now be eligible. 

Virgin Media has cut the cost of its 'Essential' broadband tariff for households on universal credit, from £15 a month to £12.50 a month – making it the cheapest social tariff on the market. The price drop is effective immediately for both new and existing customers. The provider has also launched a new faster plan, available from today (10 November), which costs £20 a month.

About eight million of the UK's poorest households will start to receive the second half of their £650 cost of living payment from today (Tuesday 8 November). Here's all you need to know on whether you're eligible and when you'll get your payment.

Additional £150 cost-of-living payments for those with disabilities were due to start on 20 September, but over six weeks later some people are still waiting to be paid. The Government insists the vast majority of the six million due the payment have received it and has said that those still waiting should be paid by the end of this week (by 14 November). 

The Prime Minister today (19 October) said she was "completely committed" to the triple lock, meaning millions of people claiming the state pension could receive a 10.1% increase in payments from April. However, given the ongoing cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty the Government has yet to officially confirm whether this will be the case, or whether benefits will rise by the same amount. 

Almost eight million people in the UK are currently struggling to pay their bills, according to the financial regulator. If you are facing financial difficulty, we explain how to check if you're eligible for support and how to try and cut costs and save on essential bills. 

Millions of households on low incomes are missing out on average savings of almost £150 a year on their broadband bills, according to Ofcom. The industry regulator has called on providers to better advertise discounted deals for those on benefits – see a full list of available tariffs below.

More than 400,000 low-income households in Wales can get a non-repayable £200 cash grant to put towards their energy bills this winter, as applications are now open for the Welsh Government's fuel support scheme. Below we explain who can get the £200 payment and how to apply.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has announced big tax cuts for individuals and businesses, including a major shake-up to income tax and a permanent stamp duty cut. The changes come as part of today's mini-budget – we round up the new measures and what they mean for you below.