The government have confirmed that the one-off Disability Cost of Living payments are to begin today (20th September 2022), with eligible recipients being paid automatically.
Six million people are expected to receive their one-off payments of £150 that will contribute to covering any disability-related costs, such as care and mobility needs.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, said:
“The government is providing vital support to shield the most vulnerable from rising prices caused by global economic challenges.
“From today, a one-off £150 payment will automatically land in over six million disabled people’s accounts. This is in addition to the decisive action we took last week to hold down energy bills over the next two years, saving the average household £1,000 a year.
“The government is standing behind people this winter, and in the longer term we are focusing on driving economic growth – the only way to permanently boost everyone’s living standards.”
The £37 billion package that these disability payments are part of will follow the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new Energy Price Guarantee for the next two years. This, combined with the £1,200 that the government are giving to support lower income households, will prove essential to those struggling to make ends meet over the current cost of living crisis.
Chloe Smith, Work and Pensions Secretary, said:
“We know disabled people face additional costs and this government is listening and taking decisive action to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
“In addition to the £150 Disability Cost of Living payment, households will save an average of £1,000 a year through our new Energy Price Guarantee and the lowest-income households will receive at least £1,200 to help with the rising cost of living this year.
“This multi-billion-pound package of support reinforces our commitment to help UK households, particularly those with disability challenges, through the tough times ahead.”
