More than eight million people on means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have now received the first part of the £650 cost of living payment worth £326. The second instalment of £324 is due to be paid next month to those on DWP benefits and ‘shortly after’ for Tax Credits-only claimants.
DWP claimants received the £326 payment in July and people on Tax Credits at the start of September. However, in response to a question from Martyn Day MP about an assessment of the “effectiveness of the facility” on the GOV.UK website for reporting a missing cost of living payment, DWP shared that over 161,000 people have contacted them using the online tool.
However, Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health, Victoria Prentis MP, pointed out that this “does not necessarily mean that payments have been missed” and highlighted how “many enquiries made through the GOV.UK form are resolved by payments being subsequently made as planned”.
