The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced the payment schedule for the next wave of cost of living support worth up to £1,350 for those on a low-income, people claiming disability benefits and pensioner households. The DWP also confirmed that the new £900 cash payment for over eight million people on eligible means-tested benefits will be made in three instalments - two this year and one in 2024.
Claimants on qualifying benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit will see the first payment for £301 land in their bank accounts automatically this Spring. DWP explained that the £900 payment will be made up of three slightly different amounts (£301, £300, £299), relating to specific qualifying periods, making it simpler to determine if someone has received the correct payment.
However, not everyone on Universal Credit will receive the first payment of £301. DWP guidance explains that claimants will not be eligible for any cost of living payment if their Universal Credit is reduced to £0 for the qualifying assessment period - often referred to as a ‘nil award’.
