One in four families get first government Cost of Living Payment from today

£326 – the first of two cost of living payments – will automatically hit seven million bank accounts between today and 31 July 2022 as part of the government’s £37 billion support package

• Second instalment of £324 will follow from the autumn, with separate payments for pensioners and disabled people also coming later this year

• Tax credit claimants will receive their first cost of living instalment by autumn