Yahoo Finance Six million people to get £150 cost of living payment boost in September
Six million people with disabilities will get a £150 cost of living payment from 20 September, the Department for Work and Pensions has said.
The one-off payment, announced in May, will be paid automatically to people who receive certain disability benefits from September 20, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said.
The majority of eligible people will receive their payment within two of weeks of this date, it added.
The one-off £150 payment for disabled people is intended to help them with rising prices and the extra costs they face, such as for care and specialist equipment.
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It comes as around eight million people in the UK were last month issued payments of £326 as part of the government's cost of living payment roll-out. In winter, those issued with the £326 cost of living payment will be provided with a further £324.
You may get the lump sum payment in September if you receive any of the following:
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance for adults
Disability Living Allowance for children
Personal Independence Payment
Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
Armed Forces Independence Payment
War Pension Mobility Supplement
Claimants must have received, or begun an eventually successful claim for one of these benefits as of May 25 this year to be eligible for the £150 payment.
The government has been urged to increase support for low-income households as the country faces a once in a generation crisis.
The typical gas and electricity bill has been forecast to hit £4,650 a year in January by consultancy Cornwall Insight. It has also estimated bills will go up to £3,554 a year from October.
Rising food costs pushed UK inflation to 10.1% in the 12 months to July, with prices continuing to rise at their fastest rate for more than 40 years.
Minister for disabled people, health and work Chloe Smith said: “We know disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable.
“This £150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 most low-income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support targeted at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs.
Read more: Energy bills to hit £3,554 in final October price cap rise estimate
“We know it’s a worrying time for some people and I’d urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by searching Help for Households.”
The government has previously said there would be no new policies before a new prime minister is in place. The new Conservative Party leader - and PM - is set to be announced on 5 September.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said: “We know that rising prices faced by many countries around the world are a significant worry for many people here in the UK, especially those most vulnerable to additional costs.
“Today’s announcement that disabled people will begin to receive an additional £150 payment from the end of September reinforces our commitment to help UK households through the challenging times ahead.”
Watch: How to save money on a low income
