Millions of households will receive a welcome cash boost this week thanks to the arrival of a third cost of living support payment.

Eight million people are expected to be given £299 – money they won’t need to pay back.

The money is being sent directly to homes the government has identified as needing help through the winter months.

The first payment, worth £301, was given out last spring while the second amount – £300 – was released shortly before Christmas.

This third and final amount will begin being paid into accounts from Tuesday (February 6).

To be entitled to the cash, claimants must be receiving 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

The money should arrive to those eligible between now and February 22 for people receiving extra support from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Those families in receipt of tax credits only, will be given their money some time between February 16 and February 22.