DWP urged to confirm date of £324 cost of living payment as people 'struggling' with bills

People receiving benefits are 'struggling' as they await news from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on when the second cost of living payment will land in bank accounts.

People on certain eligible benefits, such as Universal Credit, are receiving an additional payment of £650 from the government to help them through the cost of living crisis, which has seen energy bills soar in recent months. The measure was announced by former chancellor Rishi Sunak back in May this year.

The first instalments were made in July, with claimants receiving a one-off sum of £326. The second instalment of the payment, which will be £324, is expected to land in bank accounts in autumn. However, the DWP is yet to confirm a date.

READ MORE: DWP update on £150 disability cost of living payment for people still waiting

With October now underway it has left many claimants nervous about when they will get their payments, as many already face higher energy bills this month. On Twitter, dozens of people have left messages to the DWP asking for confirmation of a date.

Twitter user @Mandi92408053 said: "Hows about instead of telling us that a date hasn't been decided for the second cost of living payment maybe sort a date out and tell us, we are desperate people are cold hungry and worried." Similarly, @MrsM_SENTA_EY asked: "any ideas when the second cost of living payment is hitting account as I need to give it straight to EDF as my bill is ridiculous."

Another user, @millie99xoxo, wrote: "When is this second cost of living payment due? Weather is getting colder each day and energy prices are ridiculous. People want to stay warm but can’t afford to put the heating on." @dahliasanddaisy said: "DWP when are we getting the second cost of living