The Department for Work and Pensions announced that it has issued cost of living payment to more than seven million households across the UK.
It comes after the DWP informed eligible households receiving means-tested benefits that they would get the first payment, worth £301, between Tuesday, April 25 and Wednesday, May 17. The payments make up part of a wider government support package to help vulnerable households deal with the cost of living crisis.
The £301 payment will be followed by an additional payment of £300 in autumn 2023 and a third payment of £299 in spring 2024. Mel Stride, Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “Paying more than seven million households £301 in a little over a week underlines our commitment to ensure those on the lowest income are protected from the worst of rising prices and give them peace of mind.”
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Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “We know the impact that rising prices are having on families, which is why we are providing significant support to millions through these direct cash payments.”
Benefit claimants can receive the cost of living payment if they were entitle to a payment from a means-tested benefit between January 26 and February 25, 2023. Such eligible benefits include Unviersal Credit, Pension Credit, and Child Tax Credit.
The DWP said that 99 per cent of households eligible through the department will have been paid by the end of Wednesday (May 3). Meanwhile, the 'small number' of outstanding payment will continue to be made up to May 17.
Following the deadline, if someone believes they missed a payment but were entitled, they should fill out a form on gov.uk in order to make a claim. Meanwhile, one million eligible claimants who solely receive payments from Tax Credits and no other benefits will receive their cost of living payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) up until May 9.
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