Eight million people on means-tested benefits in the UK will receive a £299 cost-of-living payment between 6 February and 22 February. This is the last scheduled instalment of the £900 total support package, paid automatically into bank accounts without the need to claim.
The payment is aimed at low-income households receiving benefits such as universal credit. However, the Work and Pensions Committee questioned the sufficiency of the payments in a November report, suggesting that the money only provided a temporary reprieve and might have been better used to increase benefits.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride stated: "We will always protect the most vulnerable, while ensuring fairness for the taxpayer." After this final payment, no further cost-of-living payments are currently scheduled, raising concerns among charities.
The government points to a 6.7% rise in benefits and an 8.5% rise in the state pension from April, along with increased support for those on benefits who rent privately. Recipients are warned to be vigilant against scams; legitimate payments will show a reference of the recipient's National Insurance number followed by DWP COL or HMRC COLS.
