Many families could be at risk of missing out on government cash to ease the growing cost of living due to five loopholes. Millions of households in receipt of certain means-tested benefits will be entitled to a £650 payment, with the first instalment of £326 landing in their accounts between July 14 and the end of July.
Work and Pensions minister David Rutley confirmed that the extra cost-of-living payments for struggling households will not take them over the £16,000 savings limit for universal credit if they choose to set it aside for high winter fuel bills, or be subject to the benefit cap.
Mr Rutley has so far stopped short of telling MPs when the second half of the two-part £650 payment would be made, warning of a risk of fraud. Speaking earlier this week, he said: "As far as the second payment, the reason why we are having to be careful in terms of setting out the definitive details on this is because of fraudulent behaviour.
