The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update that clarifies who will not be eligible to receive the £900 cost of living payments.
The government is providing one-off payments in order to help vulnerable households cope with the soaring cost of living. The payments are automatic and eligible people will not need to apply.
However, it will be necessary for many households to figure out whether or not they will receive the payments so they can adjust their finances accordingly. How much you receive from the cost of living payment scheme will vary depending on what type of benefits you receive and when you received them.
Here's what you need to know about current eligibility criteria for the £900 cost of living payment...
Who is not eligible for the cost of living payments?
According to the DWP, you may be entitled to three payments of £301, £300, and £299 if you receive any of the following benefits or tax credits:
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You need to have received the benefits during the qualifying period, but the DWP is yet to announce the qualifying dates for these benefits. The DWP is expected to provide an update before the first payment rolls out.
You will not be considered eligible if your benefit is reduced to £0 during the yet unannounced qualifying period - this is known as a 'nil reward' and can happen for a variety of reasons. The DWP has clarified that if you receive a nil reward because money has been taken off you for something like rent or debt, you may still be considered eligible.
It has also been made clear that you will not be considered eligible if you only claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or New Style Jobseeker's Allowance.
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