Millions of people are to get new cost of living payments next year after an announcement made by Jeremy Hunt in the autumn statement on Thursday. The Chancellor said households on means-tested benefits would next year receive £900, pensioners will get £300 and those on disability benefits will get £150, reports The Mirror.
Mr Hunt said: “For the most vulnerable we will introduce additional cost of living payments next year, of £900 to households on means-tested benefits; £300 to pensioner households; and £150 for individuals on disability benefit.“
The payments will replace next year the £400 cost of living discounts that everyone was given on their energy bills this year. Instead of being universal, they will be targeted at the poorest households who will find it hardest when household energy bills rise to an average of £3,000 next year.
Who will be eligible for the £900 payment?
Claimants of DWP benefit payments will be eligible for the government’s £900 cost of living support:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
For the previous payments, you had to be entitled, or later found to be entitled to one of these benefits by a certain date.
The DWP hasn't confirmed when the payments will be sent, but it has confirmed it will be issued in instalments again.
Who will get the £150 disability payment?
The £150 payment for those on disability benefits will go to people who currently receive:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Again, the DWP has yet to reveal the dates for when you need to be claiming a benefit in order to receive the cost of living cash.
Who will get the £300 pension payment?
Pensioner households will receive a £300 cost of living payment.
The DWP said it will provide further detail on the payments and eligibility dates soon.
This year, pensioners who received the Winter Fuel Payment got the additional £300.
Winter Fuel Payments are normally worth between £100 and £300, with the amount depending on your age, living arrangements and if you claim benefits.
