Families across the UK will start receiving their first cost of living payment of £326 from this week until 31 July.

As part of the Government's £37 billion support package for the cost of living crisis, the payments are being given to over 8 million means-tested households to help offset the cost of living crisis.

The second instalment of £324 will be paid in autumn, with separate payments for pensioners and disabled people also coming later this year.

In addition to the £650 cost of living payment, all domestic energy customers will receive a £400 grant to help with energy bills, and people living in council tax bands A-D will get an extra £150, which has already been sent out to many households.

This totals £1,200 in support payments being given to families in need over the course of 2022.

Nadhim Zahawi, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

"It's great that millions of the families who are most in need are starting to receive their cost of living payments, which I know will be a massive help for people who are struggling.

"Alongside tax cuts, changes to universal credit and the household support fund, these payments are a vital part of our £37b support package to help people deal with rising prices."

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