The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has processed more than 7.2 million cost of living payments for £326 since July 14. A total of £2.4 billion has been paid to eligible households on low incomes in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a second lump sum of £324 arriving later this year.
The payment is the first instalment of the £650 means-tested cost of living payment being given to those on certain DWP benefits and Tax Credits. However, the July payment is not for people who only receive Tax Credits from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
DWP has now confirmed that over one million people on Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits will receive the £326 payment directly from HMRC in the autumn - but no specific date has been released yet. The second payment for £324 is expected to be made in the winter.
