Millions of people are to be given a one-off £300 cash boost from today.

The government has confirmed it is beginning to pay money into the bank accounts of households, claiming certain DWP benefits, to help them with the cost of living ahead of the winter.

Eligible claimants should receive their £300 – that won’t need to be paid back – between October 31 and November 19.

For those claiming HMRC tax credits, their money will arrive just a little later between November 10 and 19.

The money is the second cost of living payment to have been issued this year – with a further lump sum expected to be sent out to struggling families in the spring.

Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Tackling inflation is the best way to boost people’s incomes, but as we work to halve it, we are protecting the most vulnerable households from high prices with this latest Cost of Living payment.”

People who qualify for the cost of living support payment will already be claiming one of the following benefits:

* Universal Credit

* Income-based Jobseekers Allowance

* Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

* Income Support

* Working Tax Credit

* Child Tax Credit

* Pension Credit

Other measures planned to help struggling homes afford basic essentials include winter fuel payments for pensioners – which will also be boosted with an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment – that will give older people up to £600 in help with heating costs.

On top of this, nearly three million low-income households will also be eligible for a £150 rebate on winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount and from tomorrow Cold Weather Payments will also come into effect to provide eligible households £25 extra a week when the temperature is zero or below for more than seven days across the UK.

Ministers have also taken the decision to extend the £2 bus fare cap to help people get to work, reach family and attend medical appointments for less.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper added: “Buses are the most popular form of public transport and help people across the country get to work, attend medical appointments, and see loved ones – that’s why we are extending the ‘Get Around for £2’ scheme all the way to 31 December 2024.”