Martin Lewis has taken to social media to defend people on Universal Credit and other benefits. It comes as the first payment dates for the UK government's cost of living payment support scheme were announced today (Monday, March 27).
The money-saving expert spoke out in response to criticism aimed at those receiving the initial payment of £301 from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP has confirmed that the money will be provided to many people on benefits, including Universal Credit, in an effort to assist the most vulnerable members of society as they struggle to cope with the rising costs of essential items such as food, fuel, and power due to inflation.
Lewis expressed his thoughts on the criticism and reminded his Twitter audience that many people on Universal Credit work, reported Nottingham Live. He added that some people are unable to work due to disability, illness, or caring responsibilities. He also pointed out that some people in the middle may require assistance as well, but it should not be an "us vs. them" situation. Lewis received positive feedback for his comments.
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His tweet read: "A few hard comments about the benefits cost of living payments. Remember 40 per cent of people on UC [Universal Credit] work. Many who don't are due to disability, illness, caring responsibility.
"Some in the middle need help too (why I campaigned for energy price not to rise) but don't make it 'us v em".
Pranay Manocha replied: "That so many people in work still need UC goes to show how our taxes are indirectly feeding profits at companies that refuse to pay their employees a decent wage. This is a major economic issue that increases inequality and undoubtedly has a significant social impact.
£301 Cost of Living Payment eligibility
To be eligible for the first cost of living payment of £301, you must have been entitled to receive (or later found to be entitled to receive) Universal Credit, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit, or tax credits for any day during the period of 26th January 2023 to 25th February 2023. If your entitlement to these benefits is between one penny and nine pence, you are still eligible for the payment.
However, you will not be eligible for the cost of living payment if you receive a 'nil award', which means that your benefit is reduced to £0 for the qualifying period. This may happen if you receive more than one payment of earnings, your or your partner’s earnings increase, your or your partner’s savings increase, or you start receiving another benefit. Nevertheless, if any deductions are made for other reasons, such as payments of rent or debts, you may still be eligible for the payment.
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