Millions who receive Universal Credit and other state benefits will start to receive their first instalment of the £650 cost of living payment this week - which has been brought in to help people survive the squeeze of increasing inflation.
It is said that the £326 cash instalment which will land from Thursday (14 July) will be paid out to around 8.4 million households across the United Kingdom.
Those eligible for the payment who don't see it immediately this week should receive the cash by the end of July, although the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned of possible delays.
Read more: DWP warns of cost of living payment delays for first instalment due this week
The Mirror reports that those eligible may not get the top-up payment on the day you usually get your benefits, and that those who claim Tax Credits (inclusive of working tax credit and child tax credit) are expected to get their £650 cost of living payment slightly later.
Tax Credits claimants will subsequently receive their first payment in the autumn, with the second half to come this winter.
What benefits are eligible for the £650 payment?
The £650 payment is only being awarded to those who claim means-tested benefits - so where your income and savings are taken into account.
This includes:
Child Tax Credit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
I'm not eligible for the £650 - what help can I get?
If you claim certain disability benefits, there is a £150 cost of living payment due in September.
Pensioners in receipt of Winter Fuel Payments will get an extra £300. Every home in England, Scotland and Wales will also receive £400 off their energy bills, spread out over six months from October.
Rather than a cash payment, the money will be applied directly to your energy account. Direct debit and credit customers will have the money credited to their account, while those with pre-payment meters will have the money added to their meter or paid via a voucher.
Support to people in Northern Ireland has not yet been announced.
This is in replacement of the £200 "loan-not-loan" that had originally been announced last year by the Chancellor.
Other help is also available through the Household Support Fund, which is being paid out by local councils. Each local authority decides who to give the money to, and how the money should be spent - so you may face a postcode lottery in terms of the help available to you.
The help on offer does vary, but can include cash grants and supermarket vouchers.
Chancellor at the time, Rishi Sunak extended the Household Support Fund as part of a wider £15billion package to tackle the cost of living crisis. Speak to your council to see what help it offers and if you’re eligible for support.
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