Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed extra support for vulnerable families across the City of Wolverhampton, as new cost of living payments land in eligible claimants’ bank accounts. 13,000 families in the city are receiving £301 from the Government’s latest Cost of Living Payments, which began to be sent out from the 25th of April. It is the first of three payments that total £900 in 2023/24 – though some will receive up to £1,350. Meanwhile, 8,500 individuals will receive the Government’s £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.
Over eight million households across the UK who claimed qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility period will be automatically paid £301 in their first payment this year. This includes those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits. The direct support is part of the Government’s £94 billion package of cost of living support for vulnerable households receiving means-tested benefits. Those eligible will be paid between Tuesday 25 April and Wednesday 17 May, with HMRC making payments to tax credit-only customers between Tuesday 2 and Tuesday 9 May. The payments are being made directly to bank accounts. There is no need to apply for it.
The Government has also uprated benefits in line with inflation, protecting the lowest-paid in the face of increased costs. More than ten million households in receipt of working-age and disability benefits will see an increase in their benefit payments. The average uplift for households Universal Credit will be around £600. In addition to the means-tested cost of living support, the Energy Price Guarantee will continue to support everyone for another year and will be kept at £2,500 for another three months. This in turn will help us to tackle inflation by keep energy bills as low as possible. It will be delivered alongside the Prime Minister’s five-point plan to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists, and stop the boats.
Stuart is encouraging his constituents to check their eligibility for support. Those who wish to check their entitlement to benefits should use a benefits calculator at www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators to get a better idea of what they could receive. Low-income pensioners should check their eligibility for Pension Credit, as they may still be able to receive the £301 Cost of Living Payment, and subsequent payments, if they make a successful backdated application by 19 May 2023. They can do so at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. Those in need are encouraged to contact their local council to see if any additional support is available, such as through the DWP’s Household Support Fund in England - worth over £2 billion across its lifetime.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “We are continuing to support people across Wolverhampton and beyond in the face of increased prices caused by ongoing events such as Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine. In Wolverhampton South West, 13,000 families are eligible for a further means-tested cost of living payment worth £900, while 8,500 individuals will receive the £150 disability cost of living payment. In addition, the Energy Price Guarantee will continue to support everyone for a further year, giving families local much needed support with day to day costs as we continue with our work to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt in the longer term.”
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added: “The best thing we can do to help people’s money go further is deliver on our priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy. But we’re also here to help people through these tough times, which is why we’re holding down energy bills, freezing fuel duty, increasing Universal Credit, and giving £900 payments to low income and vulnerable families - all in part funded through windfall taxes on energy profits.”