How to get £150 disability cost of living payment in Bristol - am I eligible and when will it be paid?

People with disabilities across Bristol and the UK have this week started to receive a cash boost designed to help with the cost of living increase.

According to the UK Government, six million people across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will get £150 sent directly to them from September 20, 2022.

The one-off payment aims to help disabled people with the rising cost of living, acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face such as care and mobility needs.

It forms part of a £37 billion package of support which will see millions of households receive at least £1,200 this year to help cover rising costs.

Am I eligible to receive the £150 disability cost of living payment?

Those who receive the following disability benefits may be eligible for the one-off payment of £150 in September:

• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• War Pension Mobility Supplement

Those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for May 25 are expected to be paid shortly after the payment window opens.

For those awaiting confirmation of their disability benefits on May 25, or who are waiting to be assessed for eligibility to receive disability benefits, the process may take longer but still be automatic.

You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for May 25 2022 to be eligible.

When will I be paid?

If you haven’t received your payment yet, don’t panic.

Even though some of the payments filtered through on Tuesday (September 20), the Government said the vast majority of those who are eligible are expected to receive the sum within a couple of weeks.

Your payment should have arrived by the beginning of October.

Where can I get help- is further support available?

For disabled people on low-incomes, the £150 payment comes on top of other Cost of Living payments totalling £650, £400 for all households to help with energy bills, and an additional £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England.

Over eight million eligible households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of two automatic Cost of Living payments of £326 from July 14. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.

Former Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Chloe Smith, said: “We know disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable.

“£150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 most low income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support targeted at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs.

We know it’s a worrying time for some people and I’d urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by searching Help for Households.”

For more information, visit the Government’s help with the cost of living website.