DWP issues £300 Cost of Living payment update as £2.2 billion sent to households

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

More than seven million households have received the £300 Cost of Living Payment after eight days, the Department for Work and Pensions has said.

It means a total of £2.2bn has been paid out by the government department to eligible households. This round of Cost of Living Payments make up the second of three planned payments to be made this financial year, with the third being issued in 2024.

All payments from the scheme are tax-free and will have no effect on any claimant's current benefits. The government also highlighted its plans to tackle inflation to help cut down the financial pressure from the cost of living crisis. READ MORE: The takeaway so filthy the mice were eating the grease READ MORE: Woman, 25, killed in horror crash as man arrested Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Getting this vital money to over 7 million people across the UK in just eight days shows our determination to give people greater financial security as we work to halve inflation, bring costs down, and boost people’s bank balances. “In the long term, the best way to secure financial security is through work, and thousands of Work Coaches in Jobcentres across the country are on hand to help people find a job, enhance their skills, and reap the benefits of work.” The Cost of Living Payments are also part of a wide array of support being offered by the government which the DWP says is worth an average of £3,300 per household.

Meanwhile, pensioner households are set to receive £300 which will be paid in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment in November and December for all those eligible.