Millions Of Brits Will Receive First £650 Cost Of Living Payment In Weeks

Around eight million people will receive a payment to help with energy bills within the next few weeks.

Last month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a package of measures to tackle soaring living costs, one of which was a £650 payment to help with energy bills.

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The one-off payment will go to anyone on means-tested benefits, such as universal credit, housing benefit, jobseekers' allowance and income support.

Those eligible for the payment will receive a chunk of it in the next few weeks, with the first half of the payment hitting bank accounts in July.

It'll come from the Department for Work and Pensions, and if you're eligible, it will be paid automatically into your account.

The second half of the payment will arrive in the autumn, however those who receive tax credits are expected to receive both halves later in the year, with the government website explaining: "You will get one payment from autumn 2022 and a second payment from winter 2022, if you’re entitled."

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The package of measures have been introduced following news that bills will once again rise by as much as 40 percent in October, taking the average bill to more than £2,800 per year.

As part of the measures, Sunak also announced all UK households will be given £400 to help with the cost of energy bills.

Instead of the repayable £200 previously announced by the government, families will be given a non-repayable sum of up to £400.

Addressing the House of Commons to speak about the cost of living crisis last month, the chancellor said: "We are going to provide significant targeted support to millions of the most vulnerable in society, pensioners and disabled people."

The chancellor also announced a series of other grants for low income households and those with disabilities.

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Breaking down the key announcements, Martin Lewis explained that low income households could receive £950 while those who also have disabilities could expect to receive £1,100.

Pensioners are also being given £700 to help with the crisis, while those in council bands A to D will receive a payment of £150.

You can find more information here.

Topics: News

Lucy Devine