Benefit claimants who are in line for the £650 cost of living payment have been warned there could be delays in handing out the cash.
The first half of the money, worth £326, will start hitting bank accounts from July 14 with “the majority” of payments to be made by the end of the month.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) minister David Rutley said in response to a written question in Parliament that issuing payments "will be staggered" due to the high volume of people entitled to the support.
He also warned: "We currently expect the majority of payments to be made by the end of July, there may be potential delays for a small minority of cases due to their unique characteristics."
This specific warning only applies to those who claim Universal Credit, income-related ESA and JSA, Income Support, and Pension Credit.
Is the £650 cost of living payment enough to help struggling families? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
These families will receive the second half of their £650 payment - worth £324 - in the autumn, although no set date has been confirmed.
Those on Tax Credits won't receive their first payment until the autumn, with a second payment to follow in winter - again, no fixed timeline has been announced.
If you don't receive the money, the DWP has issued advice on how you can challenge a decision.
The DWP is using a computer program to identify everyone on means-tested benefits who is eligible for the cost of living support.
When you're picked up on the system, then the money should be sent to the bank account where you normally receive your benefits.
But if you don't get the cash, the DWP says you should contact the office which pays your benefit.
Who is eligible for the £650 cost of living payment?
The £650 payment is only being awarded to those who claim means-tested benefits - so where your income and savings are taken into account.
This includes:
Child Tax Credit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
I'm not eligible for the £650 - what help can I get?
If you're not entitled to the £650 payment, you should check what other support you might be able to receive.
There is a £150 payment being made to those who claim certain disability benefits and £300 for pensioners in receipt of Winter Fuel Payments.
Every home in England, Scotland and Wales will also receive £400 off their energy bills, spread out over six months from October.
This money is applied to your energy bills and doesn’t need to be paid.
This is in replacement of the £200 "loan-not-loan" that had originally been announced last year by the Chancellor.
The Household Support Fund has also been extended again by another £500million.
Speak to your council to see what help it offers and if you’re eligible for support.
