Government confirms date for one-off £650 payment for families struggling with cost of living

The government has confirmed when the first instalments of the one-off £650 grant will be issued to families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

As part of the cabinet’s new support package, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last month that eight million households will receive a one-off £650 payment in two instalments to help with the soaring cost of living.

And today, it has been confirmed when families can expect to see the first installation arrive in their bank accounts, and who is applicable for the grant.

From July 14th, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will start sending payments of £326 to low-income households on benefits.

The second portion of the one-off £650 payment will follow later in the autumn.

Sunak said in a statement today: “We have a responsibility to protect those who are paying the highest price for rising inflation, and we are stepping up to help.

“In July, more than 8 million people will get their first £326 payment to help with rising prices, as part of a package worth at least £1,200 for vulnerable families.

“I said we would stand by people when they needed help, and we are.”

Only households on certain benefits or tax credits are applicable to receive the grant, and will be paid automatically with no need to fill out any applications.

According to Gov.uk, the grant will be sent to people receiving the following benefits:

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

Recipients need to have been entitled to one of these qualifying benefits on May 25th to get the first payment. Anyone who has a joint claim with a partner will get just one payment of £650 between the two.

The government’s support package will also see every UK household receive £400 towards their energy bills. This has replaced the controversial £200 loan announced by the chancellor earlier this year.

There is also additional support for pensioners in the form of a one-off £300 payment, while those living with disabilities are eligible for an additional £150.