Cost of living payments worth £650 will start to arrive from this week, in what will be a welcome boost for struggling families.
The first half of the money - worth £326 - is expected to start being sent out to those who claim certain means-tested benefits from July 14.
This will arrive into the bank accounts of those who claim Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, and Pension Credit.
It is expected that this first payment will be sent by the end of July - although the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned of possible delays.
But when is the second half - worth £324 - due to arrive? We explain.
When will the second half of the £650 cost of living payment be sent?
The second half of the £650 payment will be sent to the same eligible households in the autumn, although no set date has been announced yet.
Those who claim Tax Credits - so Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit - are expected to receive their £650 cost of living payment slightly later than the dates we’ve mentioned above.
Tax Credits claimants will receive their first payment in autumn, with a second payment to follow in winter.
Again, there isn’t a set timeframe yet for when the money will arrive for Tax Credit households.
What benefits are eligible for the £650 payment?
The £650 payment is only being awarded to those who claim means-tested benefits - so where your income and savings are taken into account.
This includes:
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Child Tax Credit
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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Income Support
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Pension Credit
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Universal Credit
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Working Tax Credit
If you don't receive the money, the DWP has issued advice on how you can challenge a decision.
I'm not eligible for the £650 - what help can I get?
If you claim certain disability benefits, there is a £150 cost of living payment due in September.
Pensioners in receipt of Winter Fuel Payments will get an extra £300.
Every home in England, Scotland and Wales will also receive £400 off their energy bills, spread out over six months from October.
This money is applied to your energy bills and doesn’t need to be paid.
This is in replacement of the £200 "loan-not-loan" that had originally been announced last year by the Chancellor.
The Household Support Fund has also been extended again by another £500million.
The help on offer does vary, but can include cash grants and supermarket vouchers.
Speak to your council to see what help it offers and if you’re eligible for support.
