Benefit claimants across Monmouthshire are due to receive £324 this month as part of the government’s Cost of Living support

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies said: “Nearly half a million families in Wales will receive £324 directly from the UK government to help with the cost of living. This money is targeted at those who need it most to help them through this winter.

“We recognise that people on low incomes are worried and we are doing all we can to support them with this payment and a wider package of help.”

Those eligible to receive the second cost of living payment from November 8 include people on Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Pension Credit.

To be eligible, claimants must have been claiming and entitled to a payment between 26 August and 25 September, with the exception of pensioner households, who may be able to have a new Pension Credit claim backdated.

They have until December 18 to submit a valid claim for Pension Credit, which could entitle them to the £324 Cost of Living payment. Anyone can check their eligibility for Pension Credit using the online calculator or by calling the freephone claim line (0800 99 1234).

Even if you are not on a qualifying DWP benefit you may still be eligible for the £324 payment, as HMRC are also making payments to over a million people who receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit and no other eligible benefits.

These will be paid between November 23 and November 30 and customers do not need to contact the government or apply for the payment at any stage.

The £324 payment and the overall £1,200 package come on top of wide-ranging Government support with the cost of living this winter, including an extension to the Household Support Fund, which is providing an extra £421 million between October and March to help vulnerable people with the essentials.

As well as this, the Energy Price Guarantee is ensuring people across the country pay significantly less for their energy bills, with a typical household saving around £700 this winter.