People warned over DWP cost of living payment scam

Brits waiting to get the first half of their government-issued cost of living payment are being warned to watch out for scammers. Millions of claimants on Universal Credit and other benefits will receive £650, with the first £326 payment to be given this month.

Most households will have been paid the cash, being issued to help with the sky rocketing cost of living, between July 14 and 31. But the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned of possible delays - for example, if someone has complications with their benefits in some way.

DWP advice is anyone still waiting for their £326 should contact the office that pays their benefits. And if you have still not had your money, don't fall for scammers asking you to apply for it.

Read more:How to report missing DWP Cost of Living payment

The DWP is warning people not to be duped by crooks who may try and trick them into applying for the £326 payments. These criminals are trying to get hold of bank details or other personal information, reports the Mirror.

A message on the Gov.uk website reads: "You do not need to apply. You’ll be paid automatically. If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam."

For the first £326 payment, you will need to have been qualified for one of the list of means-tested benefits on May 25, 2022.

This includes:

Child Tax Credit

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Income Support

Pension Credit

Universal Credit

Working Tax Credit

The list of benefits where claimants aren't eligible for the £650 cost of living payments is:

If you get Housing Benefit, but no other benefit, you are also not eligible for the £650. This sounds surprising,