New cost of living payment update for people claiming means-tested benefits including Universal Credit

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared details on how the qualifying period for the £301 cost of living payment was selected so that it was “as close to the payment date as possible” to ensure only those who had recently received a means-tested benefit award would receive the money.

Labour MP Justin Madders, asked DWP why the qualifying assessment period for the first part of the £900 cost of living support, was selected as between January 26 to February 25, 2023.

In a written response on June 19, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, Mims Davies MP explained: “Claimants who received a nil award during the qualifying period would not be entitled to a cost of living payment.

Most nil awards will be as a result of increased earnings. “Paying those with financial resources available, which would make them ineligible for means-tested benefits, is not the intention of the cost of living payments which are aimed at those on the lowest incomes.”The DWP has also previously said that the three instalments that make up the £900 cost of living support - £301, £300 and £299) - are being made in this way to ensure people on a low income receive the additional support when they need it most.Someone who may have received a nil award for the £301 assessment period, may qualify for the next lump sum for £300 in the autumn, or the £299 due next spring.Below are the details about the remaining means-tested cost of living payments, worth a total of £599.The £300 cost of living payment will be made to eligible households receiving the following benefits this autumn:This payment will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.You will not get a