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”.
Ms Prentis responded: “We do not have specific measurements of effectiveness in place in relation to the missing payment form on Gov.uk.
“However, over 161,000 people have contacted the Department through this channel throughout August and September. We have a team in place that has responded to over 90% of these queries to date.
“This does not necessarily mean that payments have been missed. Many enquiries made through the GOV.UK form are resolved by payments being subsequently made as planned.
“In some cases, on further investigation of an enquiry, it may be found that the claimant had no entitlement to a £326 Cost of Living Payment.”
How to report a missing cost of living payment
You can report a missing cost of living payment if you think you should have had one of the following payments but cannot see it in your bank, building society or credit union account:
- £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment
- £326 Cost of Living Payment for a low income DWP benefit or Tax Credits
You will need your National Insurance number to report a missing payment.
Report a missing cost of living payment on GOV.UK here.
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