DWP unveils recipients of £500 cost of living payments this summer 2024

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed the eligibility criteria for the upcoming round of summer cost of living payments. Thanks to a six-month extension of the Household Support Fund, thousands are poised to receive financial assistance between now and the end of September.

The sum available is contingent on how each local authority decides to utilise its allocation. The DWP is supplying data and information to authorities to assist in identifying those in need within their communities.

This encompasses Universal Credit claimants with limited work capability or earnings below the thresholds for free school meals and prescriptions. It also includes recipients of the Guarantee Credit and/or Savings Credit elements of Pension Credit, those on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and individuals who only receive Housing Benefit.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stressed that aid is not exclusively restricted to vulnerable households on benefits. It's urging local councils to use other sources of information to identify individuals who qualify for additional support.

This includes suggestions or referrals from professionals such as social workers, early help key workers and family support, health visitors, and housing support officers, according to Birmingham Live, reports Belfast Live.

Officials have underscored that the Household Support Fund is designed to aid a wide range of low-income households grappling with financial challenges. This includes families with children of various ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, individuals transitioning out of care, disabled persons, large families, single-person homes, and those encountering unexpected financial shocks or events.

The department has called on local councils to pay particular attention to the needs of disabled individuals who are struggling to manage their conditions, maintain independence, and avoid social isolation. Some of these individuals face high gas and electricity costs due to the need for energy to operate essential medical devices, while others incur increased expenses for water or transportation.

Local authorities have been "strongly encouraged" to consider how they can support this vulnerable group. Additionally, they are required to track the total amount of financial aid distributed to disabled people, allowing the DWP to assess the allocation of funds.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new initiative focusing on supporting care leavers and carers. The DWP highlighted the unique challenges faced by care leavers, stating: "Care leavers can face particular barriers as they leave the care system and begin to live independently. For example, care leavers may not have access to the same familial networks as others and will not have the same financial, emotional or social support systems that enable them to live independently, respond to crisis or avoid becoming socially isolated."

Additionally, the DWP underscored the importance of aiding individuals with caring responsibilities, noting: "Authorities should also consider supporting people with caring responsibilities in their area. They may have additional heating, water or transport costs."