Millions of the lowest-income households across the UK will get up to £1,350 from the government in 2023/4 to help with the cost of living.
The new £900 cash boost for over eight million eligible means-tested benefits claimants, including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and tax credits, starts in Spring and will go direct to bank accounts in three payments over the course of the financial year.
There will also be a separate £150 for over six million disabled people and £300 for over eight million pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payments.
Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year. They will be broadly as follows:
£301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
£150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
£300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
£300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
£299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
These payments are on top of above inflation increases to working-age benefits and the Energy Price Guarantee. If individuals are eligible, they will be paid automatically, and there will be no need to apply. Claimants who are eligible for any of the Cost-of-Living Payments and receive tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will receive payment from HMRC shortly after DWP payments are issued.
PWCAC is OPEN for face-to-face advice (appointments and drop-ins) Monday to Friday, 9:30 – 1:30. If you need advice about cost of living, housing and homelessness, debt, relationship breakdown, welfare benefits or anything else, get in touch with us via info@pwadvice.org or call 01892 838619
