Millions of households on low incomes will receive £900 in cost-of-living support - but only by spring 2024.
The Department for Work and Pensions has unveiled the schedule for the next round of help for over 8 million people who claim means-tested benefits.
The payments, which will go to people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits, begin in the spring and will go directly to bank accounts in three £300 cash boosts.
The second payment will be made in the autumn and the third will go out to claimants in spring 2024.
There will also be a separate £150 for over 6 million disabled people and £300 for more than 8 million pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payments.
All the cost of living payments coming in 2023 and 2024 worth up to £1,350
The support was first announced in last year's Autumn Statement in an attempt to mitigate the cost of living pressures facing Brits.
It is similar to the £650 cost of living payments made in 2022, which was paid in two parts.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced cost of living support in the Autumn Statement in November (UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag)It comes after a third of Brits said they would struggle to cover a £20 hike in their monthly bills.
A poll for Citizens Advice found 37% would find it difficult or be unable to cope with the rise, with about 25% saying they would find it "somewhat difficult", 7% "very difficult" and 4% "impossible".
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: "I know these are tough times for families across the UK who are struggling to meet rising food and energy costs, driven by the aftershocks of Covid and Putin's war in Ukraine.
"That's why we're putting a further £900 into the pockets of over eight million low income households next year."
Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride said: “We are sticking by our promise to protect the most vulnerable and these payments, worth hundreds of pounds, will provide vital support next year for those on the lowest incomes.
“The Government’s wider support package has already helped more than eight million families as we continue to deal with the global consequences of Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic.”
People who are eligible for support will be paid automatically - so there is no need to apply.
Households are warned to watch out for scammers sending fake cost-of-living messages attempting to trick people into handing over their personal information.
Britain faces the worst recession among G7 partners, economists predict
Claimants who are eligible for any of the cost-of-living payments and receive tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will receive payment from HMRC shortly after DWP payments are issued.
Dates in full*
£301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
£150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
£300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
£300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
£299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
* Exact payments will be announced nearer the time
Information about cost-of-living support can be found here.
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