Millions of people due to receive cost of living payments in the coming months have been hit with a fresh warning from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The cash is being provided to ease the financial pressure of soaring energy bills and rising inflation on those who need help most. More than eight million households are set to receive the first part of the £900 means-tested cost of living payment this spring, worth £301, the Daily Record reports.
This will be followed in the summer by the £150 disability cost of living payment which is expected to help six million people across the UK.
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A further means-tested payment of £300 and the pensioner cost of living payment of £300, being added to the 2023/24 Winter Fuel Payment, will be made in the autumn, with a final payment of £299 in spring 2024 for those on a low income. However, DWP has taken to social media to warn everyone expecting to receive a payment over the coming months to watch out for scammers trying to take advantage of the cost of living crisis.
DWP is reminding people that if you are eligible for a payment, you do not need to apply for it as the money will arrive in your bank account automatically. In a tweet, the government department also warned it will never ask for personal details in a text message or an email.
DWP said: “Watch out for scammers targeting people about #CostOfLiving Payments. “If you're eligible
- You do not need to apply for the payment
- You do not need to call us
- Payment to you is automatic
- We will never ask for personal details by SMS or email.”
The new social media warning reiterates the guidance on the official Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK. The guidance states: “You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or Tax Credits.
“You do not need to apply. You’ll be paid automatically. If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.”
If you do receive a text message asking you to apply for any of the cost of living payments, DWP advises that you forward it to 7726 - which is completely free to do and simply reports the message to your mobile phone provider.
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