The Government has confirmed the second cost of living payment will be paid in the autumn.
Eligible benefit claimants will receive a one-off payment of £300 during the autumn period.
As the cost of living crisis continues, and inflation remains high, any extra cash will be vital for people on low incomes who are struggling with their finances.
The eligible benefits and tax credits for the next cost of living payment include the following:
· Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
· Income Support
· Pension Credit
· Universal Credit
· Child Tax Credit
· Working Tax Credit
Claimants could be entitled to up to three Cost of Living Payments of £301, £300 and £299 if they get any of the benefits or tax credits mentioned above on certain dates.
Millions of people got their first payment of £301 between April 25 and May 17 this year.
While the exact date of the payment has not yet been confirmed by the DWP, the announcement looms.
The DWP has confirmed claimants can expect their second batch of cost of living support in autumn, with a third, £299 lot arriving sometime in the spring next year.
Last year’s instalments were separated by three months, so it could arrive sooner than expected.
The DWP usually announces the exact payment date around four weeks beforehand.
Just like the first payment earlier this year, the £300 will be given to low-income households who received a payment from an eligible benefit during a yet unannounced qualifying period.
The payment will be made separately from one’s benefit payments.
When one will be paid
If they’re entitled, the current guideline states they will get:
· £301 paid between April 25, 2023, and May 17, 2023, for most people on DWP benefits
· £301 paid between May 2 and 9 2023 for most people on tax credits and no other low-income benefits
· £300 paid during autumn 2023 for most people
· £299 paid during spring 2024 for most people
DWP secretary Mel Stride said: “These direct payments will help people right across the UK over this year and the start of the next, as we continue to provide consistent, targeted and substantial support for the most vulnerable.”