MORE than eight million hard-up households have started receiving the first part of the £900 cost of living payment.
It is the first of three payments, totalling up to £900, for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as universal credit or pension credit.
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But many people are still unclear whether they’ll be able to get their hands on the extra help – including those who live in shared accommodation.
The first instalment, worth £301, will be paid between now and May 17.
It’s worth remembering that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have said applicants may not receive money at the same time.
This is because there are millions of payments that need to go out and they can’t all be processed in a single day.
So don’t worry if yours hasn’t come in today, it might take another couple of weeks to be processed.
Who qualifies?
Not everyone will qualify for the payment.
You will need to be on certain means-tested benefits to get the help – and even then you may not qualify.
Those eligible for the tax-free payment won’t have to do anything as it will be made automatically.
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The full list of benefits that qualify people for the payment is:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension credit
If you were receiving any of the above benefits between January 26 and February 25 this year you will receive the £301 payment.
If you were later found to be entitled to any of the above benefits between these qualifying dates you will be eligible for the payment too.
Is the £900 cost of living payment one per household?
Yes – you’ll only get one payment per household.
So for example, if you are a couple with an eligible benefit claim, you can only get £900 in total.
For those receiving the £301 payment from the DWP, it will show in your bank account as “DWP COLP” along with your National Insurance (NI) number.
For example, if your NI number is JT 83 42 97B your payment will show up as “DWP COLP JT 83 42 97B” on your statement.
The payments won’t affect the benefit amount you usually get or contribute to the benefit cap.
Will I get a cost of living payment if I live in shared housing?
The payment operates in exactly the same way as benefits do – if you live in shared housing and you are eligible you can get the payment.
Somebody else who is completely unrelated to you, living in the same building/property can also get the payment.
If you are a couple, however, with an eligible benefit claim, then you can only get one.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
