The Department for Work and Pensions Cost of Living payments will continue in 2023. (Picture: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
With the news that inflation unexpectedly rose in February, it’s clear that the cost-of-living crisis will be with us for a while yet.
Inflation is a critical driver in the increased cost of living, making many purchases more expensive and salaries worth less, with responding interest rate rises also affecting everything from the cost of loans to mortgage repayments (and the subsequent knock-on effect for many renters).
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has said: ‘Tackling inflation is this government’s number one priority and is the only way to ease the strain of high prices, drive long term economic growth and improve living standards for everyone.’
However, many households will be looking at what government support is available in (and after) April and which schemes will continue from last month.
Here is what you need to know.
First 2023 Cost of Living Payment
Back in January, it was announced that cost of living payments totalling £900 would continue in 2023.
The first of these payments (worth £301) is due ‘during Spring 2023,’ meaning it could arrive during April 2023.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: ‘We are sticking by our promise to protect the most vulnerable and these payments, worth hundreds of pounds, will provide vital support next year for those on the lowest incomes.
‘The government’s wider support package has already helped more than eight million families as we continue to deal with the global consequences of Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic.
Works and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride (Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
These payments may be available to over eight million people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits.
The second payment (£300) will happen in Autumn 2023, and the third (£299) in spring 2024.
The DWP say specific dates will be communicated for the payments before they are made.
Other payments arriving from April 2023
Is enough being done to support people through the cost of living crisis? Have your say now
The DWP have two other cost of living payments due to be made from April 2023.
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Disability Cost of Living Payment
Due in Summer 2023, you may receive an additional £150 if you receive specific allowances, including:
Disability Cost of Living Payment eligibiity
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
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
Anyone entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment over the coming winter of 2023/2024 may be entitled to the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which provides an additional £150 or £300 from November 2023.
A letter will be sent to those eligible, informing them how much they are entitled to.
Full details on payments and eligibility are available on the gov.uk cost of living payments page.
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All of the cost of living payments coming from April 2023.