Six million disabled people to get cost of living payment

Around six million disabled people in the UK will receive their one-off £150 disability Cost of Living payment from 20 September, the government has confirmed.

Those being paid a qualifying disability benefit will be paid automatically from 20 September, with the vast majority of those eligible expected to receive their one-off payment within a couple of weeks by the beginning of October.

The payment is designed to help disabled people with the rising cost of living, acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.

For those disabled people on low-incomes, this payment comes on top of other cost of living payments totalling £650, £400 for all households to help with energy bills, and an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England.

Over eight million eligible households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of two automatic cost of living payments of £326 from 14 July. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.

However, there are widespread fears that disabled people with high energy needs, such as those with electrical equipment or whose health requires household warmth to be maintained, require more support than that so far offered by the government.

Fifty disability charities have written to the government calling for more support so that disabled people don’t have to cut back on essentials such as food, heating and life-saving equipment.

Chloe Smith, minister for disabled people, health and work, said: ‘We know disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable.

‘This £150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 most low income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support targeted at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs.

‘We know it’s a worrying time for some people and I’d urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by searching Help for Households.’

Those who receive the following disability benefits may be eligible for the one-off payment of £150 in September: 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 and War Pension Mobility Supplement.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi said: ‘We know that rising prices faced by many countries around the world are a significant worry for many people here in the UK, especially those most vulnerable to additional costs.

‘Today’s announcement that disabled people will begin to receive an additional £150 payment from the end of September reinforces our commitment to help UK households through the challenging times ahead.

‘This payment is in addition to further help households can expect over the coming months – including a second cost of living payment of £324 for households on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioners this winter and £400 discount on energy bills for every household. This is all part of our significant £37 billion support package.’ 

Photo by KWON JUNHO