The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that it processed 1.6 million cost of living payments worth a total of £518 million on November 8 to those on qualifying means-tested benefits. An estimated eight million payments for £324 are expected to be made before the payment window closes on November 23.
DWP estimates that by the end of November over 90% of recipients of the second payment will also have received the first payment of £326. Nobody needs to apply for the second cost of living payment as it will be made automatically to eligible claimants and people claiming Tax Credits will receive the payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between November 23 and 30.
However, DWP has updated guidance on GOV.UK to clarify a specific group of means-tested benefit claimants - workers claiming Universal Credit - who may not be eligible for the £324 payment this month.
