Cost of living payment boost for struggling households

The Department for Work and Pensions said people on a means-tested benefit scheme, such as Universal Credit, would receive a total of £900 in 2023 — a further £250 on the cost of living payments received in 2022.

An automatic payment of £301, the first payment, is expected to be in people’s bank accounts between April 25 and May 17.

Additional payments of £150 for eligible disabled people and £300 for pensioners could be made later this year meaning the “most vulnerable” can receive up to £1,350 in direct payments, the DWP said.

Mel Stride, secretary of state for work and pensions, said: “These payments will give a financial boost to more than eight million households as we continue to wrap our arms around the most vulnerable, while the best way we can protect people from high costs is to halve inflation by the end of this year.

“In the long-term, we know work is the best route out of poverty, which is why we recently announced additional Work Coach support to help more people find work or increase their hours.

“Anyone looking to boost their skills or progress their career should speak to their work coach to ensure they’re accessing all the support the DWP can provide.”