The Department for Work and Pensions has unveiled details about two groups of claimants who will not receive the first instalment of the £650 cost of living payment in July.
People began receiving the first £326 sum in their bank accounts on July 14, with approximately 99 per cent of eligible claimants getting it by July 20. The money is intended to help those struggling amid the worsening cost of living crisis.
The DWP previously admitted that some people who are in “more complex circumstances” would likely need to wait longer before receiving their money. It has since confirmed that these individuals will not be paid in July.
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The DWP revealed that this includes people whose benefits claim was rejected during the qualifying period, but were since accepted following an appeal. The UK Government department stated that the delay was “unavoidable” and that payments will be issued “as soon as possible”.
As reported by the Daily Record, approximately £2.4 billion has collectively been paid so far to claimants on a low income in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The second £324 instalment is due in the autumn.
DWP Minister David Rutley said: “There will be some cases - such as those who gained entitlement to the DWP cost of living payment at a later date - that will be paid after July. This is unavoidable and they will be paid automatically as soon as possible.”
Those who claim Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits alongside a qualifying DWP benefit will also receive the instalment in July.
However, people who only claim Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits will not receive the money this month, but will instead get it in autumn.
Important to note is that cost of living payments will get the money automatically and do not need to apply. Those who receive the sum should receive it alongside the reference ‘DWP Cost of Living’ or ‘DWP COL’ in their bank accounts.
Am I eligible for a cost of living support payment?
There are three different types of cost of living payment you may be eligible for:
- £650 Cost of Living Payment — for those who receive a qualifying low income or Tax Credits
- £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment - for those who receive qualifying disability benefit
- £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - for those who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023
Who does not qualify for the £650 payment?
You will not receive the £650 cost of living payment if you claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance, Contributory Employment and Support Allowance or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance — unless you also claim Universal Credit.
Qualifying low income benefits and Tax Credits
You could qualify for the £650 cost of living payment if you claim any of the following:
- Universal Credit
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
What’s the maximum someone could get this year?
The full amount you could receive will depend on your individual circumstances. For example if you are below the State Pension age and claim both Universal Credit and PIP, you could receive £800 — £650 through the cost of living payment and £150 through the disability payment.
In another example, an individual above the State Pension age who claims Pension Credit and PIP could also receive £800, as well as the £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.
If you have a complex set of benefits, contact DWP or an independent benefits advisor such as Citizens Advice to get a better understanding of what help you will receive.
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