The DWP has already handed out its first cost of living payment to millions of households in the past few weeks. The department began sending out £326 to millions of people from July 14, the first instalment of a £650 support package aimed at those hardest hit by the cost of living crisis.
8.4 million households were expected to receive the payment from that date and the government said almost all eligible households should have got £326 by July 31, reports the Liverpool Echo. You can read more about who is and isn't eligible for the payment here.
However, the DWP also warned that some people who are eligible for the payment might see a delay in getting their money, and there is now a way to report a missing payment to the department if you haven't gotten it yet or believe you might be entitled to it.
Read more: The reasons you might not receive the UK Government's cost of living payment
How do I know if I am eligible for the £326 payment?
The payments are only being given out to those who claim means-tested benefits - so where your income and savings are taken into account. For the July payment, you will need to have been qualified for one of the list of means-tested benefits on May 25, 2022.
This includes:
- Child tax credit
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Pension credit
- Universal Credit
- Working tax credit
- The list of benefits where claimants aren't eligible for the £650 cost of living payments is:
- Attendance allowance
- Carer's allowance
- Child benefit
- Disability living allowance (DLA)
- 'New style' employment and support allowance
- Guardian's allowance
- 'New style' Jobseeker's allowance
- Maternity Allowance
- Personal independence payment (PIP)
- State pension
- Statutory sick pay
- Statutory adoption, maternity, paternity and shared parental pay
What do I do if I haven't received my payment?
According to the government website, your payment might come later. This can be for a number of reasons, including:
- You're still waiting for a decision on your benefits application or appeal - if you're eligible, you'll automatically get the payment later
- The payment is not due yet for your benefit - for example, if you get tax credits, you will not get your first payment until autumn 2022
- You're not eligible for it
However, if you think you should have had the £326 payment but you cannot see it in your bank, building society or credit union account, you can now report a missing payment. To do that, click here.
Is there other help available if I don't qualify?
Yes, there are a number of other payments you might qualify for in Wales if you aren't eligible. 400,000 households will get £200 towards their energy bills this winter, while there is also a £150 cost of living payment for those living in council tax bands A to D in Wales, as well as further money available through councils' discretionary funds. Read about all the financial support you can get in Wales here.
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