Millions of Brits across the country would have received their first cost of living payment over the last few weeks.
The first payment of £301 was issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for benefit claimants while Tax Credit claimants were paid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It makes up the first of a series of payments totalling to £900 which has been provided by the government to help the most vulnerable households better cope with the soaring cost of living crisis.
Today (May 17) marks the deadline for the first round of payments across the country, which means millions can now look forward to the next two instalments to be made throughout 2024/23. If you haven't received the £301 payment by today but were expecting it, then you should contact the office responsible for your benefit payments as soon as possible.
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DWP secretary Mel Stride said: “These direct payments will help people right across the UK over this year and the start of the next, as we continue to provide consistent, targeted and substantial support for the most vulnerable.”
With the first payment out of the way, many may be wondering when the next two payments will be made so they can just their finances accordingly. The government confirmed that the second cost of living payment, worth £300, will be made in the autumn while a third will be issued in spring 2024 - no concrete date has yet been released.
Those eligible for the second and third payments will likely have to have received a benefit or Tax Credit payment during a qualifying period, however, this qualifying period has not yet been confirmed for the upcoming payments.
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