Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Cost of Living Payment for people on means tested benefits, when claimants of tax credits will receive that payment.

The Department for Work and Pensions will make the payment in two lump sums to those receiving means-tested benefits - the first from July, the second in autumn. Tax credits claimants who also receive an eligible means-tested benefit from DWP will receive their Cost of Living Payment from DWP.

HM Revenue and Customs will then make first payments in autumn, and second payments in winter, to those who claim tax credits but do not receive any eligible means-tested benefits from DWP. This is necessary to allow time for HMRC to carry out de-duplication on data for those who have already received a payment from DWP.