Cost of Living Payment Birmingham 2022: when will I get £326 payment, am I eligible - how to apply and claim

Households across the UK have today started to receive the first of two payments designed to help with the cost of living increase.

According to the UK Government, Almost one in four families across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will get £326 sent directly to them from today.

Here’s what you need to know about the payment, including how many households are eligible in Birmingham and when the next payment will be sent.

How many families are eligible for the payment in Birmingham?

The UK Government estimated how many families in Birmingham are eligible for the payment.

The number next to each constituency shows the estimated number of families that are eligible.

• Birmingham, Edgbaston 15,900 
• Birmingham, Erdington 23,400 
• Birmingham, Hall Green 24,600 
• Birmingham, Hodge Hill 30,600
• Birmingham, Ladywood 32,400
• Birmingham, Northfield 19,200
• Birmingham, Perry Barr 22,900
• Birmingham, Selly Oak 15,400
• Birmingham, Yardley 23,400

When should I receive the first payment?

The payments have started being sent out from today (14 July) but some households may not receive the money today.

According to the government, Most people entitled to the first instalment of our Cost of Living payment will receive it between now and 31 July 2022. Households who are eligible because they receive tax credits and no other eligible benefits will receive their first instalment from HMRC in the autumn, and the second instalment in the winter.

Over eight million households on means-tested benefits will automatically get the first instalment of £326 from this month.

Who is eligible for the payment?

To be eligible for the first instalment, families must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:

• Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022
• income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022

This includes all households entitled to a payment of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Pension Credit.

When will I receive the second payment?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are making the payment in two instalments. The first is due to be sent out by the end of July, and the second payment of £324 will be sent out by the DWP in the autumn.

What has the government said about the payment?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is due to be replaced in number 10 in September, said: “Just as we looked after people during lockdown, we will help them get through these tough economic times.

“Today’s payment is the signal to millions of families that we are on their side and we have already promised more cash in the autumn, alongside other measures – including our Help for Households – to support the vulnerable and ease the burden.”

Work and Pensions Secretary, Thérèse Coffey added:“Our help for households will begin landing in bank accounts today as we make sure those on the lowest incomes get the support they need in the face of rising costs.

“This first instalment of £326 should reach all eligible low-income households by the end of July.”