Help with the cost of living

The rising cost of living has been in the news throughout this year, and we know that it presents a real concern for some customers. You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits. The good news is, you don’t need to apply, you’ll be paid automatically.

If you’ve had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam, so please don’t respond.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. This includes if you’re found to be eligible for a cost of living payment or a disability cost of living payment at a later date.

These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you get.

You may get a payment of £650 paid in two lump sums of £326 and £324 if you get payments of any of the following:

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

For more information, go to the Cost Of Living Payment page on gov.uk.