The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said that it “recognises that some people will flow on and off benefits” which will make them ineligible for the new £900 means-tested cost of living payment due next year.
This will mainly affect those in work claiming Universal Credit who are paid every four weeks. While the qualifying dates have still to be determined for the next payment, DWP has confirmed that the £900 will be made in two instalments, similar to this year’s £650 payment, to “reduce the chance of someone missing out completely” on the additional financial support.
This is because people in work claiming Universal Credit will need to receive a benefit payment for at least one penny during the qualifying period to be entitled to either part of the £900 payment.
The new details emerged in response to a query from Alba MP Neale Hanvey, who asked DwP if it would review the eligibility criteria for the cost of living payments” to ensure that Universal Credit recipients who are paid every four weeks are not penalised”.
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