More than 100,000 people in Norfolk will begin to receive the first round of cost of living payments from today (April 25).

It is the first of three payments, totalling up to £900, for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as universal credit or pension credit, in 2023/24.

The first payment will be made between April 25 and May 17.

The Department for Work and Pensions will send payments automatically and directly to recipients’ bank accounts, with a reference of their national insurance number followed by “DWP COL”.

Eastern Daily Press: Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a Cabinet meeting.Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a Cabinet meeting. (Image: PA)

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “This latest additional payment will be welcomed by millions of families – as will further payments due over the next year.”

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A further 118,700 people on disability benefits will get a separate £150 payment and a £300 pensioner payment amid the ongoing inflationary crisis.

Benefits that could make claimants eligible for the £301 payment include Universal Credit, tax credits, Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support.

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Eligible individuals do not need to apply for payments, as they are made automatically.

The estimated number of households for the means-tested payment are Breckland (13,900), Broadland (10,100), Great Yarmouth (16,300), north Norfolk (10,600), Norwich (19,300), south Norfolk (11,300), west Norfolk (16,600) and east Suffolk (25,500).