HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) started issuing the first part of the £650 means-tested cost of living payment to more than one million people on Tax Credits on Friday, September 2 and expects most of the lump sums to have been made by Wednesday, September 7. The payments of £326 are being made automatically to eligible Tax Credits-only customers, so there’s no need to apply for the extra financial support.
It's important to understand this is for people who only receive Working Tax Credits or Child tax Credits. If you receive those benefits and also one of the qualifying means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), you should have already received the first payment for £326 after July 14 - the second payment for £324 will be paid in the autumn, but no date has been announced yet.
As the payment window starts to close, Tax Credits claimants who have not received the payment yet, should not panic. HMRC has issued new advice to people who believe they are eligible for the payment, but do not receive it by September 7.
