Cost of living payment London 2022: When is first government universal credit deposit, how to apply & claim?

Over eight million households on means-tested benefits will automatically get the first instalment of £326 from this month.

The payment is to help with the cost of living crisis that has gripped the nation, and is in place to help those who need it most.

Rising costs in essential goods, combined with bill costs rising and also the sharp rise in fuel has seen many families now struggling to make ends meet, and this scheme has been made to help many families.

What is the Cost of Living payment?

As part of the government’s £37 billion support package, almost one in four families across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will get £326 sent directly to them from today - 14 July - with the second instalment of £324 sent later this year.

It is to help low income families battle rising inflation amid the cost of living crisis which has seen many people financially struggle recently.

When is the first payment?

Families who are eligible to receive this support from the government will start to receive their first payment today, but some may not receive it until the end of July.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Thérèse Coffey said: “This first instalment of £326 should reach all eligible low-income households by the end of July.”

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the first instalment, families must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:

• Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022
• income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022

What has the Government said?

On the scheme, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said:

“Just as we looked after people during lockdown, we will help them get through these tough economic times.

“Today’s payment is the signal to millions of families that we are on their side and we have already promised more cash in the autumn, alongside other measures – including our Help for Households – to support the vulnerable and ease the burden.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi said:

“It’s great that millions of the families who are most in need are starting to receive their Cost of Living Payments, which I know will be a massive help for people who are struggling.

“Alongside tax cuts, changes to Universal Credit and the Household Support Fund, these payments are a vital part of our £37 billion support package to help people deal with rising prices.”

How many families are eligible in London?

In London, the Estimated number of families eligible for the means-tested benefit Cost of Living Payment is 1,224,000, which equates to around 15% of the overall population.

When is the second payment?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are making the payment in two instalments to help families battle the cost of living crisis.

The first is due to be sent out from 14 July, with everyone receiving the first payment by the end of July, with the second payment of £324 will be sent out by the DWP in the autumn.