Millions of people are expecting to receive their second cost of living payment over the coming weeks. The UK government is shortly expected to confirm when households will receive £324 into their bank accounts, the second instalment of a cost of living payment worth £650 in total.
Struggling households are likely to face a tough winter with energy costs expected to be double what they were this time last year - even with Liz Truss' new price guarantee capping the typical bill at £2,500 per year - and other costs such as supermarket items also putting pressure on finances.
Around 7.2 million people on universal credit and other means-tested benefits received the first instalment of the payment - £326 - back in July with those on tax credits receiving the money slightly later in September. If you didn't get a payment but believe you were entitled to one, you can find out how to report a missing payment here.
Read more: What to do if you haven’t received your £326 cost of living payment
Those who claim universal credit, income-related employment support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support and pension credit are expected to be eligible for the second payment coming this autumn. In August the DWP, which administers the payment, issued an update on when those who are eligible can expect to receive the money. An update on its website originally said the "second payment will be no later than October 31, 2022 to be specified by the secretary of state in regulations." However, this was later updated to state that October 31 will actually be the latest possible qualifying day for the second payment, meaning it will arrive after this date. A DWP spokesperson told ChronicleLive this week there was "no update on the £324 payment yet, but we’ll definitely let people know as soon as we can."
It means many can expect to receive their money in the next few weeks, which will be a source of huge relief for those worried about paying their bills heading into the colder winter months. To get the latest money news straight to your inbox, subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
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