The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has commented as frustration grows among people who want to know exactly when the upcoming cost of living payment will be paid. The money, given to low-income families on certain benefits, is due to be paid in three instalments - the first in spring this year, the second in autumn this year then finally the third in spring 2024 - and will total £900.
The Government recently refused to comment on whether this year's spring payment will be made before April 1. Meanwhile, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has speculated that the first payment will be made shortly after April 6 – the beginning of the new financial year.
Now, the DWP has told ChronicleLive that "the first payment is due to be made in the spring". The Government added that "specific dates will be confirmed closer to the time".
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Many people who are expecting the next payment have aired their frustration at the lack of an announcement about an exact date. After all, many people plan their finances far in advance and knowing when to expect the payment would make budgeting easier.
"It is a disgrace that @DWPgovuk are making people wait all this time for the cost of living payment date," said one person on social media. Another, tweeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said: "Could you please tell DWP to provide us with the cost of living payment dates? They say spring but as summer doesn't start till June that could be ages and I am desperate for help."
A third said: "Government have long talked about the importance of sound budgeting and planning expenditure. How can I do that when I don’t know when 'sometime in the spring' is?"
When approached by ChronicleLive, the DWP said that "the first payment is due to be made in the spring – specific dates will be confirmed closer to the time". The official cost of living page on the gov.uk website further clarifies that the exact dates for payments has not yet been announced but that "the guidance will be updated with the payment dates before each payment starts".
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