Millions of people are set to receive their one-off £150 disability cost of living payment.
It will follow the £150 disability cost of living payment that was issued last September, showing the government’s intention to support the most vulnerable in society.
In April, the rate of inflation fell sharply, according to figures published on May 24, bringing hope that the worst of the cost of living crisis might begin to ease. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) – the main measure of inflation – dropped to 8.7 per cent in April from 10.1 per cent in March. It was the first time the CPI has been below 10 per cent in eight months.
Here is what you need to know.
Who is eligible for the £150 payment? How can I check?
To be eligible for the £150 payment, you must be in receipt of one of the following benefits.
- 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 payment recognises the extra costs disabled people in particular experience, including care and mobility needs.
It comes as part of a wider package of government support, including means-tested cost of living payments totalling up to £900, and £300 payments to pensioners.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, said: “This payment helps protect those who need our support the most, providing a vital financial boost to six million disabled people. Our multibillion-pound package of support reinforces our commitment to help UK households with the rising cost of living. It comes on top of record increases to benefits and the national living wage.”
Do I need to apply?
No you don’t need to apply – the vast majority of the payments will be made automatically.
When will the £150 payment be paid?
More than six million disabled people in the UK will receive their one-off £150 disability cost of living payment from 20 June. The money will be deposited over a two-week period until 4 July. A small proportion of payments will be made after this date, where claimants were awaiting confirmation of their eligibility or entitlement to disability benefits on 1 April.
Later this year there will be further payments of £300 for pensioners, meaning some of the most vulnerable households can receive up to £1,350 in direct cost of living payments.
The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove, said: “We know the cost of living has gone up for disabled people, which is why we are taking action to reduce the financial pressures they face.
“This £150 disability cost of living payment is on top of up to £900 that most low-income benefit claimants will also receive, helping ensure the most vulnerable in our society are protected from rising costs during this challenging period.”
