The second half of the government's multi-billion cost of living support package is due to be sent out to millions n low income from Tuesday, November 8. The payment, worth £324, comes as part of the Department For Work And Pensions' (DWP) scheme to help those in need amid rising inflation and bills.
The first half of the total £650 landed into bank accounts of those eligible back in July. People claiming certain benefits are set to see the money anywhere between November 8 and November 23. More than eight million households are set to receive the £324.
The five benefits people must be claiming, have been entitled to or later found to be entitled to, between August 26 and September 25 this year, to qualify for the second instalment are: Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit and Universal Credit.
READ MORE: Millions of DWP benefit claimants could be eligible for £1,500 ahead of court case
The sum of money is tax free and will be handed out automatically to people who are eligible. So you won't need to submit a claim or take any further steps. The DWP has said that not everyone should expect the payment to arrive on Tuesday, November 8, as it will roll out over the next two weeks.
People claiming Tax Credits won't see the £324 until after November 23. This is to avoid duplication of payments for those who claim Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and other qualifying benefits. Some people could get up to three different types of payment depending on their circumstances on a particular date or during a particular period:
- a Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying low income benefit or tax credits
- a Disability Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying disability benefit
- a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, if you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023
Millions of pensioners will also soon start to receive their Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £600. The cash is being sent out in November and December for most people but you should be paid by January 13, 2023 at the latest.
Winter Fuel Payments are normally worth between £100 and £300, with the amount depending on your age, living arrangements and if you claim benefits. But this winter, the Government is also giving eligible households an extra £300 on top because of the cost of living crisis - this means some families could potentially get up to £600.
This comes on top of a separate £150 Disability Cost of Living payment and an extension to the Household Support Fund, which is providing an extra £421 million for use between October and March to help vulnerable people with the essentials. A £150 Council Tax rebate was also sent earlier this year to those in Council Tax bands A to D in England, creating a total of at least £1,200 in direct support for millions.
A £400 reduction on energy bills is also being given to all domestic electricity customers over the coming months, and a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’, which means from October 1 the average UK household will save at least £1,000 a year based on current energy prices.
READ NEXT:
- UK winter energy bills could fall as European country races to rescue
- DWP boss declines to rule out means test changes for disability benefit claimants
- DWP sending out Winter Fuel Payment letters to pensioners - and you could get up to £600
- British Gas along with Octopus and Ovo Energy in which could pay £100 to cut electricity use
- HMRC issues tax warning as declaration deadline nears
