Millions of people on means-tested benefits will soon begin receiving the first instalment of the government's £900 Cost of Living.
The Department for Work and Pension (DWP) has provided more details about when people can expect to receive the next round of government support. The £900 payment was previously unveiled by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his Autumn Budget after eight million people received £650 in payments throughout 2022.
Now, eight million people on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and tax credits will receive extra support from Spring. Meanwhile, a separate £150 will be made available for over six million people living with disabilities as well as £300 for over eight million pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payments.
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Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride said: "We are sticking by our promise to protect the most vulnerable and these payments, worth hundreds of pounds, will provide vital support next year for those on the lowest incomes.
"The government’s wider support package has already helped more than eight million families as we continue to deal with the global consequences of Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic."
Dates for £900 Cost of Living Payments
While exact dates are yet to be announced by the DWP, we know that the payments will be spread across six instalments throughout 2023 and 2024. The DWP announced the following payment dates and amounts:
- £301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
- £150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
- £300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
- £300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
- £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt said: "I know these are tough times for families across the UK who are struggling to meet rising food and energy costs, driven by the aftershocks of Covid and Putin’s war in Ukraine. That’s why we’re putting a further £900 into the pockets of over 8 million low income households next year.
"These payments are on top of above inflation increases to working-age benefits and the Energy Price Guarantee, which is insulating millions from even higher global gas prices. Tackling inflation is this government’s number one priority and is the only way to ease the strain of high prices, drive long term economic growth and improve living standards for everyone."
The DWP also highlighted that those eligible for the payments will be paid automatically, therefore, there is no need to apply.
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