Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced a new cost of living payment of £900 to help the most vulnerable cope with soaring prices.
In his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor said households on means-tested benefits would receive the cash boost.
There will also be a £300 pensioner cost of living payment as well as £150 for those with a disability.
This year, the government gave out a £650 payment to the most vulnerable in a bid to help them through the financial crisis.
The first half of the £650 cost of living payment was paid in the summer with the second half being sent to eligible families now.
Speaking to MPs today, Mr Hunt said: “For the most vulnerable we will introduce additional cost of living payments next year, of £900 to households on means-tested benefits; £300 to pensioner households; and £150 for individuals on disability benefit.“
Who will be eligible for the £900 payment?
Claimants of the following DWP benefit payments will be eligible for the government’s £900 cost of living support:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
For the previous payments, you had to be entitled, or later found to be entitled to one of these benefits by a certain date.
The DWP hasn't confirmed when the payments will be sent, but it has confirmed it will be issued in instalments again.
Who will get the £150 disability payment?
The £150 payment for those on disability benefits will go to people who currently receive:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Again, the DWP has yet to reveal the dates for when you need to be claiming a benefit in order to receive the cost of living cash.
Who will get the £300 pension payment?
Pensioner households will receive a £300 cost of living payment.
The DWP said it will provide further detail on the payments and eligibility dates soon.
This year, pensioners who received the Winter Fuel Payment got the additional £300.
Winter Fuel Payments are normally worth between £100 and £300, with the amount depending on your age, living arrangements and if you claim benefits.
