The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will soon be rolling out the first instalment of the £900 Cost of Living payments.
Millions of people on means-tested benefits are expected to receive the first payment worth £301. It will be the latest in support for households which was previously announced in the autumn statement after eight million people received £650 in Cost of Living payments throughout 2022.
Households receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and tax credits will receive extra support from Spring. Meanwhile, a separate £150 will be made available for over six million people living with disabilities as well as £300 for over eight million pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payments.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt said: "I know these are tough times for families across the UK who are struggling to meet rising food and energy costs, driven by the aftershocks of Covid and Putin’s war in Ukraine. That’s why we’re putting a further £900 into the pockets of over 8 million low-income households next year.
"These payments are on top of above-inflation increases to working-age benefits and the Energy Price Guarantee, which is insulating millions from even higher global gas prices. Tackling inflation is this government’s number one priority and is the only way to ease the strain of high prices, drive long-term economic growth and improve living standards for everyone."
Dates for £900 Cost of Living Payments
While exact dates are yet to be announced by the DWP, we know that the payments will be spread across six instalments throughout 2023 and 2024. The DWP announced the following payment dates and amounts:
- £301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
- £150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
- £300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
- £300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
- £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
The DWP also highlighted that those eligible for the payments will be paid automatically, therefore, there is no need to apply.
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