More than six million disabled people across the UK are set to receive a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment from today.
The one-off payments, issued by the Department for Work and Pensions throughout a two-week window, will help disabled people with the extra costs they face.
It comes as part of a wider package of Cost of Living support worth up to £1,350 to the most vulnerable households, underlining the Government’s commitment to supporting these those most in need.
The Government is also working hard to ease cost of living pressures by working towards the goal of halving inflation, which will lay the foundation for the long-term growth needed to improve living standards for everyone.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said:
“We recognise that some of the most vulnerable UK households continue to face cost of living pressures, in particular those who are disabled.
“Our commitment to halving inflation and ultimately getting it back to the 2% target will relieve a lot of financial pressure for us all, but this extra support will help over six million disabled people right now as we work towards that goal.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP, said:
“The additional costs faced by disabled people mean inflation is particularly challenging, which is why halving it this year and getting back to the Bank of England’s 2% target is our priority.
“The £150 we’re sending disabled people over the next two weeks is part of a major cost-of-living support package worth just under £100 billion, providing some peace of mind to the most vulnerable in society.”
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said:
“We understand the additional financial pressures disabled people are facing, which is why we are putting another £150 in their pockets from today.
“This is on top of further cost of living payments for low-income benefit claimants, as we’re committed to providing support where it is needed most.”
As the payment is made automatically, those eligible for the support do not need to take any action. The payment reference on bank statements will appear as the individual’s National Insurance number followed by “DWP COL”.
The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the Disability Cost of Living Payment between 20 June and 4 July are those who receive any of the following:
· Disability Living Allowance
· Personal Independence Payment
· Attendance Allowance
· Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
· Armed Forces Independence Payment
· Constant Attendance Allowance
· War Pension Mobility Supplement
A small number of payments will be made after 4 July, where claimants were still awaiting confirmation of their eligibility or entitlement to qualifying disability benefits on 1 April.
This new payment is in addition to the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment that was paid last September. Pensioners will also receive a further £300 payment later this year and people on eligible means-tested benefits will be paid up to two more Cost of Living payments through to next Spring totalling £900.