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 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.
This round of payments are only for people claiming Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits. Tax Credit claimants who also receive means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) should have already received their first cost of living payment for £326 from July 2022.
However, HMRC has issued new advice to people who believe they are eligible for the payment, but do not receive it by September 7. Claimants are being advised to wait until Friday, September 16 before contacting HMRC in order to allow time for their bank, building society or credit union to process the payment.
