Almost 700,000 Scottish Households to Get ‘Cost of Living’ Cash Payments in July

A total of 689,000 household in Scotland are soon to receive direct cash payments to help them cope with the cost of living crisis.

The cash is being distributed as part of an effort by UK government policymakers to support households on low incomes in coping with rapidly rising prices.

Initial payments of £326 are to be distributed on July 14 2022, with a second instalment of £324 scheduled to be handed out at some point in the autumn.

Ultimately, the UK government is planning to hand out a total of £650 over the new few months to around 8 million households who all currently claim means-tested benefits and are assumed to be getting by on low-incomes.

In Scotland, the number of households set to receive direct payments will be just short of 700,000, the Department for Work and Pensions has now officially confirmed.

Meanwhile, an unspecified number of Scots can also expect to receive £150 top up payments in September if they currently claim disability benefit.

“With millions of the lowest-income households soon seeing the first of two cash instalments land into their bank accounts, we are taking action to directly help families with the cost of living,” commented the UK government’s work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey.

“This one-off payment totalling £650 is part of our £37 billion cost of living support package that will put an extra £1,200 into the pockets of those most in need.”

Alister Jack, Scottish secretary with the UK government, has also said: “We know families across Scotland are struggling with the increased cost of living, and these payments will provide extra financial support to those who need it most.”

The debt help charity StepChange recently welcomed news that the government will be providing low-income households with direct financial support to help them cope with the rising cost of living but called for particular attention to be paid to those in the most difficult circumstances.

StepChange has also recently noted that rising inflation and cost of living issues are now among the major reasons why people in the UK fall into problem debt.

If you live in Scotland and you are worried about your personal debt situation then Scotland Debt Solutions can help. Contact us directly to arrange a FREE and confidential consultation.