Millions will receive a one-off £150 cost-of-living payment from today.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the cash boost will be paid automatically to people who receive certain disability benefits.

The first payments will go out to eligible households today, with the majority of payments being made within two weeks, the DWP added.

The payment is intended to help disabled people with the rising cost of living and the higher costs they face, such as for care and mobility needs.

It comes on top of other cost-of-living payments totalling £650 for disabled people on low incomes.

All households will receive £400 to help towards energy bills and an extra £150 for properties in council tax bands A-D in England.

Overall, the Government has announced a £37 billion package of support to help people with rising costs.

Universal Credit £650 cost-of-living payment

A second £325 lump sum will be paid at some point in the autumn, to those in receipt of Universal Credit, pension credit and other benefits.

An initial £325 was paid by the Government in July.

The exact payment date for the second payment has not been confirmed and could depend on when the individual receives their benefit payment.

The money will be tax-free and will not count towards the benefit cap.

It will also not have any impact on existing benefits and will be available to claimants across the UK.

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