Yorkshire disability charity say cost of living payment "no way near enough"
Around 6 million people are starting to get a one-off disability payment to help with rising expenses
Last updated 20th Sep 2022
Around 6-million people in the UK are starting to get a one-off disability payment to help with the cost of living.
£150 is going to those on certain benefits. Those eligible for the one-off sum include people receiving the disability living allowance, personal independence payment, attendance allowance, Scottish disability benefits (adult disability payment and child disability payment), armed forces independence payment, constant attendance allowance, or the war pension mobility supplement.
But some argue it is not enough to cover rising costs. Jackie Snape is the Chief Executive at Disability Action Yorkshire which is based in Harrogate. She tells us "I'm sure no one is going to turn it down and say they don't want that £150 but I think there needs to be a bit of realism about exactly how much is needed and it's a lot more."
In a statement the Government say: "We recognise that living with a long-term illness or disability can impact on living costs, and therefore, as part of our £37bn package of support, we are supporting six million disabled people with an extra £150 payment.
In addition to this payment, we will continue to provide a strong financial support system for people with disabilities and their carers including personal independence payment, universal credit and carer's allowance for the millions affected.
"We are also protecting millions of the most vulnerable people with at least £1,200 of direct payments to those in low income households, allowing people on Universal Credit to keep £1,000 more of what they earn and supporting people in need via the Household Support Fund - which was boosted by £500m - to help pay for essentials."