The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will issue a cash boost worth £150 to more than 6.5 million on disability benefits from today (June 20).
The special one-off payments will be handed out over the next two weeks in an attempt to aid disabled people with any extra costs they may face, according to the government. It comes alongside a wider support package which could see eligible households receive as much as £1,350 in total.
According to the DWP, eligible benefit claimants will receive the payments between June 20 and July 4. However, a small number of payments may be made at a later date if someone is still awaiting confirmation of their eligibility or entitlement to one of the qualifying benefits on the qualifying date.
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Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: “We recognise that some of the most vulnerable UK households continue to face cost of living pressures, in particular those who are disabled. Our commitment to halving inflation and ultimately getting it back to the 2% target will relieve a lot of financial pressure for us all, but this extra support will help over six million disabled people right now as we work towards that goal.”
In order to qualify for the payment, claimants must have received a payment from one of the following benefits on April 1 of this year:
- 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 Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP, said: “The additional costs faced by disabled people mean inflation is particularly challenging, which is why halving it this year and getting back to the Bank of England's 2% target is our priority. The £150 we’re sending disabled people over the next two weeks is part of a major cost-of-living support package worth just under £100 billion, providing some peace of mind to the most vulnerable in society."
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “We understand the additional financial pressures disabled people are facing, which is why we are putting another £150 in their pockets from today. This is on top of further cost of living payments for low-income benefit claimants, as we’re committed to providing support where it is needed most.”
It's important to note that the Disability Cost of Living Payment will be made automatically, so there is no need to apply. The DWP has previously warned that scammers are targeting vulnerable households who may be expecting the Cost of Living payment.
