Dr James Davies MP welcomes the news that 12,000 households across the Vale of Clwyd will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.
This is the second of three payments totalling £900, supporting eligible people on means-tested benefits with the cost of living.
The payments make up part of the Government’s record financial support to support people with energy and cost of living costs, worth an average of £3,300 per household between 2022-24.
James said:
“Putin’s war in Ukraine and our recovery from the pandemic saw inflation rise – this is a tax on people’s income and is causing pressures on household budgets.
“That is why, between 31 October and 19 November, millions of families on means-tested benefits will receive a second Cost of Living Payment, totalling £900 across three payments. Payments will be made automatically, and eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.
"Some families will receive £1,350 of support in total - made up of £900 Cost of Living Payment, £300 payment for pensioners and £150 for 12,700 disabled people locally (most people were paid the Disability Cost of Living payment between June 20th and July 4th).
“This builds on our support with the cost of living, including paying for half of family’s energy bills, as we work to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt.”
The £300 Cost of Living Payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply, contact the Government, or take any action to receive it. This includes tax credits-only customers who will receive the payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between 10 and 19 November 2023.
The payment reference for bank accounts will be the recipient’s National Insurance Number followed by DWP COL or HMRC COLS.
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
"The best way we can boost bank balances is by bearing down on inflation, but as we get there, we are ensuring the most vulnerable households are cushioned from high prices with a further Cost of Living payment.
“Alongside this, thousands of Work Coaches across the country are helping find work, increase their hours and boost their skills. I encourage anyone who wants to progress their career and strengthen their finances to visit their local Jobcentre to find out what help is available.”
The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the second Cost of Living Payment are those who are eligible and receive at least one of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment from DWP, you need to have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023, or payment for an assessment period, ending between these dates. From HMRC, you need to have received a payment of tax credits for any day in the period between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023.
The DWP continues to encourage low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as – thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules – they could still qualify for both the second Cost of Living Payment as well as the third payment due in Spring 2024.
Read about this year's first cost of living payment here: https://www.jamesdavies.org.uk/news/mp-welcomes-extended-cost-living-pa…
