Many people on benefits won’t get the new cost of living support payments (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A £900 cash boost – known as the cost of living payment – will start being paid this Spring, but not everyone on benefits will qualify.
It follows a similar government scheme last year, which paid out up to £1,200 in instalments to help those struggling.
With the first payment of £301 due soon, how exactly is the new payment being rolled out, when, and who can get it?
Crucially, which benefits will miss out?
Here’s what you need to know.
Which benefits get the cost of living payment?
The cost of living payment is a lifeline for those struggling to pay bills (Picture: Getty Images)
Only people who are on means-tested benefits will get the cost of living payment. They are:
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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All the payments will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards, according to the government website.
Which benefits do not qualify?
Disabled people on certain benefits will receive a £150 payment (Picture: Getty Images)
Basically, everything that’s not listed above – including:
New style Employment and Support Allowance
New style Jobseeker’s Allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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Disabled people who are in receipt of one of the following non-means tested benefits will not be eligible but will get a £150 payment during Summer 2023.
Scottish Disability Benefits – including children
Armed Forces Independence Payment
War Pension Mobility Supplement
How will the cost of living payment be made?
The cost of living payment will help with rising food and fuel bills (Picture: Getty Images)
The exact dates have yet to be released, but the money will be paid directly to you in the same way as your qualifying benefit.
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis says they are expected to start after April 6, as this is the start of the new tax year.
When will the cost of living payments be made?
£150 – 2023 Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
£300 – Second 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
£300 – 2023 Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
£299 – Third 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
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