26 March 2023 , 23:01
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Millions of people claiming means-tested benefits will receive the first part of the £900 cost of living payment starting next month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed £301 will be sent to eligible households between April 25 and May 17 .
This is the first of three DWP cost of living payments set to be issued to help with rising bills, totalling up to £900.
In order to receive the money next month, you must be claiming one of the following means-tested benefits during the qualifying period.
The benefits are:
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Universal Credit
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Pension Credit
You need to have been entitled to a payment between January 26 and February 25 to receive the £301, or received a payment for an assessment period ending between these dates.
Low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit can still qualify for the £301 if they backdate a Pension Credit application by May 19.
Those who receive just Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit - so no DWP benefits - are also eligible for the £301.
However, HMRC will pay this first instalment at a later date, which has yet to be confirmed.
Dates for the second and third instalment of the £900 cost of living payments - set to be worth £300 and £299 - have also yet to be announced.
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The second payment is due to be sent in summer 2023, while the third payment will be sent in spring 2024.
All the cost of living payments will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
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There will be a disability cost of living payment worth £150 being sent out during summer 2023.
This includes those in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
There will also be a £300 pensioner cost of living payment to all eligible households that get a Winter Fuel Payment.
The dates for both the £150 disability and £300 pensioner cost of living payments have not yet been confirmed.