DWP dismisses new call to give people on contributions-based ESA £650 cost of living payment
04.11.2022 - 18:07
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has dismissed a new call from Labour to widen eligibility for the second instalment of the £650 means-tested cost of living payment to include people receiving contributions-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The DWP recently confirmed that over eight million households are set to receive the second payment, worth £324, between November 8 and 23, 2022.
Responding to Zarah Sultana MP on Thursday, DWP Minister Tom Pursglove, explained that the cost of living payments are providing “targeted” support for households where people are on a low income or receiving support through means-tested benefits.
He confirmed that there are “no plans” to change the current eligibility criteria, but highlighted how non-means tested benefits such as contributions-based ESA “may have other financial resources available to them”.
In a written response, Mr Pursglove said: “The Cost of Living Payment is being targeted at low income households who are in receipt of a means-tested income replacement benefit.
“Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance is a non-means tested benefit. Non-means tested benefits are not qualifying benefits for the Cost of Living Payment in their own right because people receiving these benefits may have other financial resources available to them.
“We have no plans to change the current eligibility criteria.”
He added how the second cost of living payment is part of the UK Government’s £37 billion support package to help households across the country navigate the current financial crisis gripping Great Britain.
Below is everything you need to know about the second cost of living payment being paid by DWP.
People in receipt of Tax Credits who do not receive a DWP
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