HOUSEHOLDS expecting cost of living payments this year are being warned to look out for scammers.
In November, the Government revealed a second batch of cost of living payments will be paid out to millions.
It will include £900, £300 and £150 payments spread across this year and into 2024.
Households are due to receive the first part of the £900 means-tested payment this spring, worth £301.
But the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), responsible for issuing the payments, says scammers could be looking to capitalise on people not knowing how the payments are made.
In social media posts shared on Facebook and Twitter, the DWP said: "Watch out for scammers targeting people about cost of living payments."
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The Government department gave four pieces of advice to those awaiting payments later this year:
- You do not need to apply for the payment
- You do not need to call the DWP
- Payments are automatic
- You should never be asked for personal details via text or email
What are the new cost of living payments?
In November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced millions more households will benefit from further cost of living payments.
There will be a £900 payment, £300 payment and £150 payment.
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They are designed to help soften the blow of high energy bills, food and other everyday costs.
Exact details on who is eligible, as well as codes you should look out for in your bank statement have not yet been released but will be announced nearer the time.
Exact dates for when the payments will be made have not been released either – although the seasons they will come in have. They are:
- £301 – first cost of living payment – spring 2023
- £150 – disability payment – summer 2023
- £300 – second cost of living payment – autumn 2023
- £300 – pensioner payment – winter 2023/24
- £299 – third cost of living payment – spring 2024
What other help can I get?
Lots of energy companies offer grants to customers who are struggling with bills, including British Gas, EDF and E.On.
In some cases, you might be able to get up to £1,500 worth of help, so it's worth seeing if you're eligible.
The best thing to do is contact your supplier to see what they have on offer.
Millions of households should be in the process of receiving the £400 energy rebate as well.
Two payments worth £66 were paid in October and November and a third of £67 in December.
The remaining three payments worth £66 will be paid in January, February and March.
Plus, the deadline for councils to share out their portion of the Household Support Fund (HSF) is March 31.
The fund is worth £421 million and has been shared between local councils.
What you get depends on where you live, but in most cases if you are on a low income or benefits you'll be eligible for help.
To find out if you're eligible, you should contact your local council.
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Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
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