Millions of benefit recipients across the United Kingdom will start seeing the first instalment of their new cost of living payments drop into bank accounts tomorrow, with some eight million receiving £301 between April 25 and May 17.
It comes as the first part of a £900 overall payment, which people on certain Department for Work and Pensions benefits will receive.
The second and third payments of £299 and £200 respectively are et to be paid later in the year and early 2024.
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The Mirror reports that a common misconception about the support payments is that it will be paid to all people who claim benefits, but this is not true - and it will only land in the accounts of specific groups of claimants. According to DWP guidance, only those claiming means tested benefits will see the money.
Those claiming other benefits, like contribution-based ones, will not receive the £900 sum overall.
This means if you only claim one of these benefits, you will not be getting the cost of living payment tomorrow:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Contributory or New style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Guardian's Allowance
- Contribution-based or New style Jobseeker's Allowance
- Maternity Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State pension
Those who will receive the cost of living cash tomorrow need to be claiming one of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
Working and Child Tax Credit households are also eligible for the £301 booster - but the HMRC will not end these out until between May 2 and May 9. This applies should you only claim a benefit from the HMRC.
If you claim benefits from both the HMRC and means tested benefits from the DWP - then you'll still receive the money between April 25 and May 17 as normal. You should also be aware that if you claim a means-tested benefit alongside a contribution-based one, you'll get the cost of living payment.
For example, if you receive PIP but also Universal Credit - you'll still get the cash. If it's just PIP though, you won't.
The first payment has a requisite of being entitled to the benefit between January 26 and February 25, or received a payment for an assessment period between the two dates. Should you be later found to be entitled to one of the eligible benefits for that time period, you may also get the full cost of living payment but at a later date.
For example, low-income pensioners who aren't already in receipt of Pension Credit may still qualify for the £301, but they'll have to make a backdated claim by May 19.
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