Cost of living Birmingham payment 2022: when is the second government payment, how to apply & claim?

Thousands of people in Birmingham will be eligible to receive a second cost of living payment from the Government to help with soaring bills this autumn.

As energy costs rise, inflation drives up food prices, and changes in interest rates push up mortgage repayments for people not on fixed deals, many households will be facing challenges in making ends meet this winter.

With UK inflation standing at 9.90 % - the highest rate in 40 years - the government is attempting to ease concerns via a £37 billion support package.

Here is everything you need to know about the second cost of living payment, including the date it will be paid out, how to check if you are eligible, and how to apply and claim in Birmingham.

What is the cost of living payment?

They are direct payments made to eligible people to help with the soaring cost of living.

The first instalment of £326 was paid into bank accounts starting on 14 July. The second cost of living payment will be £324 - making the total payments £650 this year.

Who is eligible for the cost of living payment?

Over eight million UK households qualify for the payment.

This includes all Birmingham households that are already entitled to a payment from the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Pension Credit.

To be eligible for the second instalment of £324, you must have been entitled to one of the above benefits between dates in a qualifying period, which the Government is due to announce soon.

How will the cost of living payment be paid?

The payment will be paid directly into the bank accounts of the eligible people.

When will people in Manchester receive the second cost of living payment?

The final cost of living payment was initially expected appear in bank accounts of those eligible by 1 October 2022. However, a spokesman from the DWP has now said that no official date has yet been confirmed and that it would be announced in due course.

Households who qualified should have already received the first instalment of £326 in July 2022, but some people earning tax credits have reported delays. If you think you are missing a payment you cna report it via the Government website here.

There is also a separate £150 disability payment being made this autumn: find out if you are eligible and when it should be paid in our guide here.

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