By Delays expected for some £326 cost of living payments
According to a new government update, some people may not receive their £326 cost of living payment by the original deadline.
Those on Universal Credit, income-related ESA and JSA, Income Support, and Pension Credit are due the payment directly into their bank accounts between this July 14 and July 31.
However, new government guidance has stated that payment will only arrive between those dates “for most people” on the benefits.
A small number of people may experience delays beyond July 31 if they have extremely complex cases, such as major changes to their circumstances.
People who are on Tax Credits only – and not these other benefits – will not get the £326 payment by July 31, as those benefits are administered by HM Revenue and Customs. The payment will arrive at a later date, with guidance simply stating “from Autumn 2022”.
A total of 8.3million UK benefit claimants will receive the £326 payment, along with a second instalment of £324 later in the autumn to make £650 in total.
Claimants must have begun a claim for these benefits by May 25, 2022 at the latest to qualify for the first of the two payments.
The money will be tax-free and will not count towards the benefit cap as part of a range of measures unveiled by Rishi Sunak.
The former Chancellor also announced £400 for all households off energy bills across six months from October.
There will also be £300 for pensioners in November and December, and £150 for disabled people in September.
A DWP spokesperson said: “We are on track to give eight million low-income households their first cost of living instalment from this month.
“In a small number of unique cases with more complex circumstances, the payments will take slightly longer to process. But all eligible households will automatically receive the first instalment, and no one needs to worry they will miss out.”
