Millions are set to begin receiving a £150 cost of living payment from today (June 20). More than six million households claiming certain disability benefits will get a one-off disability payment between today and July 4, 2023.
To qualify, individuals need to have been claiming a qualifying benefit on April 1, 2023 to receive the cost of living payment. But people could still be entitled if they are later found to have been eligible for a qualifying benefit on this date, reports the Mirror.
Some payments may be made after July 4 if you are currently waiting for a benefit claim to be approved. The list of qualifying benefits are:
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- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
The £150 disability cost of living payment is being awarded automatically - so you don't need to apply for it.
It also won't affect any other benefits you have and is non-taxable.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: “This payment helps protect those who need our support the most, providing a vital financial boost to six million disabled people.
“Our multi-billion-pound package of support reinforces our commitment to help UK households with the rising cost of living. It comes on top of record increases to benefits and the national living wage.”
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “We know the cost of living has gone up for disabled people, which is why we are taking action to reduce the financial pressures they face.
“This £150 disability cost of living payment is on top of up to £900 that most low-income benefit claimants will also receive, helping ensure the most vulnerable in our society are protected from rising costs during this challenging period.”
I'm not eligible for the £150 disability payment - what other help is coming?
More than eight million people on means-tested benefits have started to receive a £900 cost of living payment.
The money is being split into three instalments, with the first part - worth £301 - having already been issued to the majority of eligible households.
No date has been set yet for when the last two parts - worth £300 and £299 - will start to hit bank accounts.
You have to be claiming the following benefits to get the £900 cost of living payment:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
There will also be a £300 pensioner cost of living payment to all eligible households that get a Winter Fuel Payment.
This will be on top of the usual Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 depending on your circumstances - meaning some households will get up to £600.
Again, no set date has been announced - but Winter Fuel Payments usually start being sent out from November.
