The lump sum payment, announced in May, will be automatically paid to people receiving certain disability benefits from September 20, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced. The majority of eligible people will receive their payment within two weeks of that date, he 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 is added to other living cost payments totaling £650 for disabled people on low incomes. All households will receive £400 to help with their energy bills and an additional £150 for properties in council tax zones A to D in England. In total, the government has announced a £37 billion support package to help people with rising costs. Minister for Disability, Health and Work, Chloe Smith, said: “We know that disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “This £150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 that most low-income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support aimed at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs. “We know it is a worrying time for some people and I would urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by seeking Household Help.” Smith, appearing on LBC radio on Tuesday morning, said the government was still working to support the most vulnerable, but was unable to share details about those efforts. “The next prime minister will want to look at all of this extremely carefully and the work that is being done right now in government to look ahead to the challenges ahead is what will be next in that incoming prime minister’s office, and I think it’s completely understandable,” he said. “I can’t make it for you right now. I can’t write the emergency budget.” The chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “We know that the rising prices faced by many countries around the world are a major concern for many people here in the UK, especially those who are most vulnerable to additional costs. “Today’s announcement that disabled people will start receiving an extra payment of £150 from the end of September reinforces our commitment to help UK households in the difficult times ahead.”
