The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that over 8 million households are set to receive the second part of the £650 cost of living payment by November 23. Payments for £324 will land in bank accounts between November 8 and 23, for most eligible claimants.
This payment is for those receiving DWP means-tested benefit s. People claiming Tax Credits only will receive their second payment ‘from Winter 2022’ from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), but no specific payment date has been announced yet.
Over 8 million families have already received the first Cost of Living Payment, worth £326, which was sent out from July 14 this year. The second payment will automatically be paid into the bank accounts of those eligible in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland who receive a qualifying benefit, meaning they will not need to do anything to receive the money.
Commenting on the second payment, Work and Pensions Secretary, Chloe Smith said: “Millions of families will soon see a £324 cash boost as part of our extensive £1,200 support package, helping to raise incomes and manage the rising cost of living.
“We understand that people are struggling which is why and we’re committed to supporting the most vulnerable households. That’s also why we are focused on driving growth and delivering quality public services so we can continue to support those in need through these challenging times while boosting opportunity for all.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng added: “We know that people have been worried about their bills ahead of this winter, which is why we’ve taken decisive action to hold down energy bills, saving the average household around £1,000 a year, and provided £1,200 of targeted support to the most vulnerable.
“Without our intervention, analysts were predicting that the average annual energy bill could have reached £6,500 next year. We were never going to let this happen.
“Our Growth Plan will also leave more money in people’s pockets and, over the longer term, help drive economic growth - the only way to permanently boost everyone’s living standards.”
The DWP will pay a small number of payments on November 8, with numbers increasing significantly from November 9.
Even if you are not on a qualifying DWP benefit you may still be eligible for the £324 payment as HMRC are also making payments to those who receive Tax Credits and no other eligible benefits.
These will be paid shortly after DWP payments and customers do not need to contact the UK Government or apply for the payment at any stage.
This payment comes on top of extensive UK Government support with the cost of living this winter, including around 6 million disabled people having been paid a separate £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment, while over 8 million pensioner households will receive an extra one-off £300 Winter Fuel Payment this year.
Eligible benefits for November £324 payment from DWP
You may get a payment of £324 if you get payments of any of the following:
- Universal Credit
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits - must be claimed alongside one other DWP benefit in this list otherwise payment will be made later from HMRC
The payment will be made separately from your benefit.
If you have a joint claim with a partner, you will get one payment of £324 for your joint claim, if you’re entitled.
Qualifying period
Universal Credit
You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period August 26 2022 to September 25 2022.
Income-based JSA, income-based ESA, Income Support and Pension Credit
You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period August 26 2022 to September 25 2022.
Full details can be found on GOV.UK here.
