This Spring, the first of the Government’s 2023/24 cost of living payments will be given to over eight million families on means-tested benefits in the UK, providing much needed support in the context of challenging global economic conditions.
In summary:
- Millions of UK households will receive £301 directly from the Department for Work & Pensions between 25th April and 17th May
- The £301 payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or do anything to receive it
- This is the first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, in 2023/24
- This follows the £650 Cost of Living Payment made to over eight million people in 2022
- There will also be further payments worth £150 for eligible disabled people and £300 for pensioners due later this year, meaning the most vulnerable can receive up to £1,350 in support
These direct payments will help people across the UK over this year and the start of the next, as we continue to provide consistent, targeted, and substantial support for the most vulnerable.
This follows on from the £37 billion of support provided in 2022/23 to help both lower and middle-income earners with the adjustment to higher prices for energy and everyday necessities, caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine as well as the inflationary aftershocks of the pandemic.
These latest payments will provide some temporary relief, but, as the Chancellor, the Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt MP, rightly says, “the best thing we can do to help families and businesses is to stick to the plan to halve inflation this year”.
You can find a short message from the Prime Minister on the Government's latest support at the following weblinks:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqTIU1yv6ZA/?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ=
Further information on the upcoming payments can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-2023-24-cost-of-living-payment-dates-announced
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