More than seven million households across Scotland, England and Wales are set to receive a £301 cost of living payment from next week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). However, updated guidance clarifies who will receive the first part of the £900 means-tested payment, even if they have a ‘nil’ award.
Payments are due to arrive between April 25 and May 17, for some 7.2 million people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Income Support. A further 890,000 people on Tax Credits-only will receive the money between May 2 and 9, directly from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The update on GOv.UK clarifies that you will not get a £301 cost of living payment if your benefit is reduced to £0 if you got a ‘sanction’ because you did not do something you agreed to in your Claimant Commitment. However, you might still be due the payment if you had a 'hardship payment' as a result of the sanction during the qualifying period.
