The first half of the £650 cost of living payment has started to arrive in bank accounts - but how do you know if the cash has been sent to you?
The cash is being given to more than eight million households who receive means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit and Tax Credits.
These are benefits where your income and savings are taken into account to determine how much you get.
Those who get Universal Credit, income-related Employment Support Allowance, income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance, Income Support, and Pension Credit are receiving the money first.
Payments worth £326 started to arrive in bank accounts from July 14 and are expected to be sent to the majority of eligible households by July 31.
Is £650 enough to help struggling families? Let us know your thoughts: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
The second instalment, worth £324, is due for these benefit claimants in the autumn - although no set date has been confirmed yet by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Those who claim tax credits will receive their first payment slightly later, with this not expected to be processed until the autumn, with a second payment to follow in winter.
We explain what to look out for when you're checking for the cost of living cash.
How to check if you've been sent first half of £650 payment
The payments are being issued automatically to eligible households.
This means you don’t need to apply for the cash, but you also won’t be notified when it is your turn to receive the first half of the money.
Instead, you'll need to keep manually checking your bank account to see if the £326 has been sent - and the DWP has now confirmed the reference to look out for.
“Those who are eligible should look out in their bank accounts for a payment of £326 with the reference ‘DWP Cost of Living’ in their bank accounts,” the DWP explains online.
“This payment is made automatically, meaning no one has to apply or do anything to receive it.”
If you don't receive the money, the DWP has issued advice on how you can challenge a decision.
Other help available if you can't claim the £650 payment
If you claim certain disability benefits, there is a £150 cost of living payment due in September.
Pensioners in receipt of Winter Fuel Payments will get an extra £300.
Every home in England, Scotland and Wales will also receive £400 off their energy bills, spread out over six months from October.
This money is applied to your energy bills and doesn’t need to be paid.
This is in replacement of the £200 "loan-not-loan" that had originally been announced last year by the Chancellor.
The Household Support Fund has also been extended again by another £500million.
The help on offer does vary, but can include cash grants and supermarket vouchers.
Speak to your council to see what help it offers and if you’re eligible for support.
