More than eight million households on means-tested benefits received their first cost of living payment in July. Almost one in four families across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland got the £326 government payment to help ease the cost of living crisis.
The move was announced by the government earlier this year as part of a support package to help struggling households. It was set out as a package of £650 to be paid in two lump sums.
Those on benefits - including Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit - were eligible for the payment.
