AROUND 22,000 Solihull households will be getting Government Cost of Living payments to help with rising bills.
After confirming the payment schedule for five cost of living payments through the 2023/24 financial year, The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced in Parliament more detail on the support.
This includes estimates of the number of people living in the borough who will receive the first £301 Cost of Living Payment and the £150 Disability Payment, which follows on from up to £1,200 in support for low-income households in 2022.
Chancellor of the exchequer, Jeremy Hunt added: “These payments are the next part of the significant support we are providing through this challenging time, with millions of vulnerable households receiving £900 directly into their bank accounts this financial year alongside additional help for pensioners and those with disabilities.
“This latest payment will provide some temporary relief, but the best thing we can do to help families and businesses is to stick to the plan to halve inflation this year.”
People claiming Universal Credit and tax credits and Pension Credit as well as Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support may be eligible for the payments.
Eligible individuals do not need to apply for payments, as they are made automatically and anyone eligible for cost of living payments through tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will be paid by HM Revenue and Customs shortly after DWP payments are made.
The Government said exact payment windows and qualifying periods for eligibility will be announced in due course, but are designed to ensure a consistent support offer throughout the year.
Payment windows will be broadly as follows:
· £301 – First 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – Spring 2023
· £150 – 2023 Disability Payment – Summer 2023
· £300 – Second 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – Autumn 2023
· £300 – 2023 Pensioner Payment – Winter 2023/4
· £299 – Third 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – Spring 2024
