Millions will receive first £650 cost of living payment in WEEKS – check if you're eligible

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MILLIONS of people are set to receive the first half of the £650 cost of living pay out within weeks.

The help comes as part of a package of measures announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help struggling households through the cost of living crisis.

Last month, Rishi revealed that 8million people would be getting a £650 payment to help with soaring energy bills.

It comes as the latest forecasts show the average energy bill will reach more than £2,800 by October.

The Chancellor unveiled a package of measures which will see the must vulnerable households get up to £1,500 free cash to cover the cost of essentials.

The help he announced included:

  • Windfall tax on gas and oil firms
  • £650 one-off payment for Universal Credit and benefits
  • £300 one-off payment to low-income pensioners
  • £150 extra one-off disability payment
  • £400 energy discount for EVERY household
  • £500million added to the Household Support Fund

And those eligible for a £650 payment, will get the first half of it within weeks.

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The payment will go to everyone who receives means-tested benefits, including universal credit, pensions credit, housing benefit, jobseekers’ allowance and income support.

You don't have to do anything to claim the support, it will be paid automatically if you're eligible.

To qualify, you'll need to have been in receipt of one these benefits or started a claim which goes on to be successful by May 25.

The payment will come from the Department fro Work and Pensions, and it is delivering the cash in two chunks.

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The first £325 will start to be paid from July, while households will receive the second £325 in the autumn. Specific dates have not been announced.

Those who receive tax credits, which are paid by HMRC, will be paid slightly later.

The delay is in place to avoid "duplicate payments", HMRC has said, and it is likely that those on tax credits will get their first £325 in autumn and the second half in winter.

The payments will be tax-free and won't affect any benefits you're getting.

HMRC and the DWP will set out the eligibility date for the second payment in due course.

Here is a full list of benefits that are eligible for the £650 payment:

  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Pension Credit

If you are struggling with your bills, there is other help available too.

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Thousands of families could qualify for free cash, food vouchers and more from the Household Support Fund.

And new parents can get money off their food shop with Healthy Start vouchers.

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