UNIVERSAL Credit claimants are just realising they can get an extra £150 straight to their bank accounts.
The cash is another government cost of living payment due over the next few weeks – here’s how to get it.
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Those part of Facebook group Scrimping on a Budget have noticed they could get the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment on top of previous payments.
One user posted: “If I already had the COL payment through UC will I be able to get another one with me being on PIP as well.”
Another replied: “I’ve had my UC COL payment, but got a text about a £150 disability payment due from 20th. My eldest son is on Dla so does that mean we will get it for my son?”
The £150 boost is a tax-free cash which will be paid directly into recipients’ bank accounts from June 20 to July 4.
To get it, you have to already be receiving certain benefits. These are:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
But being on Universal Credit alone won’t make you eligible – you’ll need to be receiving one of the above too.
How do I get it?
If you were already claiming one of the above benefits before April 1, the money will be paid into your bank account automatically.
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But if you were still awaiting confirmation of your eligibility for any of the qualifying benefits on this date, the cash may arrive later than July 4.
The code to spot in your statement will be your national insurance number, followed by “DWP COL”.
What else can I claim?
People claiming certain benefits are eligible for a one-off payment of up to £812 – but they need to claim it themselves.
The government provides a Budgeting Loan for low-income households struggling with the cost of living.
It is an interest-free loan, which means you only have to pay back what you borrow.
More cost of living payments coming this year
A separate £900 cost of living payment for those on certain benefits is being paid out over the course of the year.
The payment is available for those who receive any of the following:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit
The first payment, worth £301, was paid between April and May.
The second instalment, worth £300, will be paid in autumn.
Spring next year will see the final chunk of the £900 cost of living payment dished out – it is worth £299.
We don’t know have an exact date for when the second and third payments will be made.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has it said it’ll provide more information on exact dates nearer the time.
You can check the full list of cost of living payments available on the government website.
And for more cash help, make sure to check in with your local council as you might be eligible for the Household Support Fund (HSF).
It’s a £842million cash pot which councils across England dip into to help out struggling households.
Each area will decide what the cash is used for and who gets it.
You should check on your council’s website, or give them a call to find out if you’re eligible.
The best way to find out what council area you fall under is by using the government’s council locator found on its website.
