MORE than 90,000 households across Bradford will receive the first 2023 cost of living payment from April 25, the Government has confirmed.

The spring payment of £301 will come directly from the Department for Work and Pensions between April 25 and May 17.

It is the first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, in 2023/24.

This follows the £650 cost of living payment made to tens of thousands across the district last year. 

There are also additional payments of £150 for disabled people and £300 for pensioners, meaning a total of £1,350 in extra help for the most vulnerable.

The £301 payment will be sent out automatically, meaning those eligible do not need to apply in order to receive it.

The data for Bradford shows an estimated 91,500 people will be eligible for the means-tested payment and a further 56,800 will receive the disability payment.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The first payment date for 2023 is between April 25 and May 17The first payment date for 2023 is between April 25 and May 17 (Image: PA)

Mel Stride, secretary of state for Work and Pensions, said: “These payments will give a financial boost to more than eight million households as we continue to wrap our arms around the most vulnerable, while the best way we can protect people from high costs is to halve inflation by the end of this year.

“In the long-term, we know work is the best route out of poverty, which is why we recently announced additional Work Coach support to help more people find work or increase their hours. Anyone looking to boost their skills or progress their career should speak to their work coach to ensure they’re accessing all the support the DWP can provide.”

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added: “I know that times are tough, which is why a key focus of the Spring Budget was supporting people with the cost of living and helping people into well-paid work.

“Not only are we providing £900 in direct cash payments to millions of the most vulnerable households, we’ve also extended the Energy Price Guarantee to hold bills down until energy prices fall, raised the National Living Wage to £10.42, put an end to the prepayment meter premium and delivered a plan that will more than halve inflation this year – ensuring everyone’s incomes go further.”

When will DWP cost of living payments be paid?

Exact payment windows for the remaining four DWP cost of living payments will be announced in due course. They are broadly as follows:

  • £301 – First 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – April 25 to May 17
  • £150 – 2023 Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
  • £300 – Second 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
  • £300 – 2023 Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
  • £299 – Third 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024

Who can claim cost of living payments this year?

The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the upcoming Cost of Living payment are those who receive:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Pension Credit

The qualifying period for this payment is between 26 January and 25 February 2023.

The DWP is also encouraging low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as they can still qualify for the £301 cost of living payment if they make a successful backdated Pension Credit application by May 19.