DWP issues warning over automatic £150 cost of living payment next month: 'You may have to pay it back'

Millions of Bits are set to receive £150 disability cost of living payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the coming weeks. The payouts were already scheduled and the money will arrive automatically in people’s bank accounts between June 20 and July 4.

To qualify, you need to be in receipt of certain benefits and must have received a previous payment on April 1.

But DWP said that if you pocket the cash but are not eligible, you’ll have to hand it back.

Their warning comes amid reports that an estimated £410 million in cost of living payments were overpaid in the last financial year.

Meanwhile, Brits have been asked to hand their 'expired' old paper notes and coins to the Bank of Englandto raise some cash they can actually use this summer.

Also, those in receipt of benefits were warned about traveling abroad during the coming holiday season.

DWP also reminds people that they can claim up to £441 per month if they suffer from this common condition.

DWP sends a warning to everyone who is set to receive £150

The government has spent £8.4 billion on the cost of living payments in the last financial year, and an estimated 4.9% of it - £410 million - was overpaid.

A report indicated that £310 million (3.7%) in overpayments were due to fraud, £60 million (0.8%) happened because of claimant error, and another £40 million (0.5%) were caused by official error.

The numbers triggered a warning from the DWP to all those set to receive the free cash.

It reads:

If you receive a disability cost of living payment, but we later find that you were not eligible for it, you may have to pay it back.

Read more:

⋙ Here is what you should do if you find money on the street

⋙ DWP offering £300 a month ESA payment if you have any of these 23 health conditions

Here is who is eligible for a £150 cost-of-living payment

To be entitled for the £150 disability cost of living payment, you must be in receipt of the Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance for adults or children, Personal Independence Payment, the Scottish Adult or Child Disability Payment, Armed Forces Independence Payment, or the War Pension Mobility Supplement.

For those who were awaiting confirmation of their entitlement to disability benefits on April 1, or who are waiting to be assessed for eligibility to receive disability benefits, the payment process may take longer and arrive after the scheduled window closes on July 4.

The money will still arrive automatically and doesn't need to be applied for even if the payment is late.

Read more:

⋙ Thousands claiming housing benefits warned of major change in payments

⋙ DWP announces change in payment date for thousands on benefits, here's what to expect

Sources used:

- Metro: 'Millions of people will get a £150 cost of living payment next week'