People receiving benefits are 'struggling' as they await news from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on when the second cost of living payment will land in bank accounts.
People on certain eligible benefits, such as Universal Credit, are receiving an additional payment of £650 from the government to help them through the cost of living crisis, which has seen energy bills soar in recent months. The measure was announced by former chancellor Rishi Sunak back in May this year.
The first instalments were made in July, with claimants receiving a one-off sum of £326. The second instalment of the payment, which will be £324, is expected to land in bank accounts in autumn. However, the DWP is yet to confirm a date.
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With October now underway it has left many claimants nervous about when they will get their payments, as many already face higher energy bills this month. On Twitter, dozens of people have left messages to the DWP asking for confirmation of a date.
Twitter user @Mandi92408053 said: "Hows about instead of telling us that a date hasn't been decided for the second cost of living payment maybe sort a date out and tell us, we are desperate people are cold hungry and worried." Similarly, @MrsM_SENTA_EY asked: "any ideas when the second cost of living payment is hitting account as I need to give it straight to EDF as my bill is ridiculous."
Another user, @millie99xoxo, wrote: "When is this second cost of living payment due? Weather is getting colder each day and energy prices are ridiculous. People want to stay warm but can’t afford to put the heating on." @dahliasanddaisy said: "DWP when are we getting the second cost of living payment please? It's getting colder and inflation is rising now!"
User @TracyPr63731088 addressed her concerns to the chancellor, asking: "Kwasi Kwarteng when do we get update about the second cost of living payment for universal credit? People are struggling, sort it out!"
Others pointed out that without a payment date confirmed, scammers may find it easier to target vulnerable people. User @Jack245223291 commented: "Vulnerable people desperately waiting for their second £324 cost of living payment are being targeted by scammers pretending to be the gov!"
The government has warned that emails and text messages asking people to 'apply' for a payment are fake. Payments will arrive in eligible people's bank accounts automatically.
Other concerned claimants have been left wondering if the government's silence on the payment date is a sign they may be scrapping it. Twitter user @SJIFreddyFan82 wrote: "I'm guessing Liz Truss may cancel (or already cancelled) the second £324 Cost of living payment that's why they're not in a rush to announce the release date."
Another user @_ellielou97 said: "The government are being worryingly quiet about the second cost of living payment and I’m genuinely concerned that they’re gonna turn around like 'sorry, computer says no'." And @StuartofLeeds said: "I have a nasty feeling that Kwasi Kwarteng will cancel the second part of the Cost of Living Payment."
The Manchester Evening News has contacted the DWP for a comment.
Money saving expert Martin Lewis suggested that the government will likely be making an announcement on the second cost of living payment soon. He told his Twitter followers today: "I'm hearing we're going to get news pretty soon (possibly today) on when the 2nd cost of living payment for those on benefits / Universal credit will come. I'll let you know as soon as I know."
It comes after the DWP issued a clarification following inaccurate reports that payments would be made from October 1. A spokesperson said last week: "We haven't confirmed when the second payment will be made yet. We’ll be keen to let people know clearly and widely when there is a date to announce."
Meanwhile, the government's £400 energy bill rebate scheme is now in place. All households will get a discount of £66 applied to bills in October and November, rising to £67 each month from December through to March 2023. It comes as the energy price guarantee came into force, meaning the average household will pay £2,500 for their annual bill for the next two years.
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