Cost of Living Support Payments helps more than eight million people

The support payment, a total of £900, will be paid in three instalments.

The money will go to those people who are eligible and receiving means-tested benefits like pension credit or universal credit.

The first payment, due today will be £301 with the last instalment being paid on 17 May. The payments don’t need to be claimed. They will be sent automatically to the person’s bank account showing their National Insurance number followed by “DWPCOL”

Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary said today “This latest additional payment will be welcomed by millions of families-as will further payments over the next year.”

People have also been warned against scammers who will ask you for your bank details in order to make a payment. No details are required either on the computer or over the phone.

The people entitled to receive the payment are those receiving:

• Child tax credit
• Universal Credit
• Income-based jobseekers allowance
• Pension credit
• Income support
• Working tax credit
• Income-related employment and support allowance

The payments will come either through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or for those eligible through tax credits, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

People with disabilities are set to receive further payments worth £150. The winter fuel allowance will also be topped up for those eligible with a payment of either £150 or £300 from November.

In total, those who receive the three types of support will get £1,350 in payments.