Cost-of-living payments, due to hit bank accounts later this week, may be delayed.
Households receiving Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit were set to get a cash boost on July 14.
The initial automatic instalment will be £326, with a second instalment of £324 in the autumn. However, the Mirror reports that in updated government guidance, the payment will only arrive between July 14 and July 31 “for most people” on the benefits.
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It’s understood a small number of people may experience delays beyond July 31. if they have extremely complex cases, such as major changes to their circumstances.
Pensioner households will receive an extra £300 to help cover the rising cost of energy this winter, while people on disability benefits will receive an extra £150 payment in September. From October, households generally will have a £400 grant to reduce energy bills.
To get the first Cost of Living Payment of £326, you must have been 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 of April 26 2022 to May 25 2022.
Or if you receive tax credits, you can get the first Cost of Living Payment as long as you have received, or later receive a payment of tax credits and an annual award of at least £26 of tax credits for any day in the period of April 26 2022 to May 25 2022.
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