The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed eligibility details for the cost of living payments that are due to be paid next year.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a range of financial handouts during the Autumn Statement last month in order to help people mitigate the impact of ever-increasing inflation and rising energy bills during 2023/24. The new support package is worth £26 billion and includes payments of £150 for people on disability benefits, £300 for pensioner households and £900 for those on means-tested benefits and tax credits, reports the Daily Record.
More than eight million households in the UK on means-tested benefits will receive the support, which is expected to be paid over winter 2023/24. Last week, Labour’s shadow secretary of state for work and pensions, Jonathan Ashworth MP, asked the DWP if it will take steps to ensure that the payment – which will increase from £650 to £900 – will not exclude benefit claimants whose Universal Credit payments have been reduced to a nil award as a result of a sanction.
