More than 74,000 households in Suffolk will begin to receive the first round of cost of living payments from today.

It is the first of three payments, totalling up to £900, for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as universal credit or pension credit, in 2023/24.

The first payment will be made between April 25 and May 17.

A further 69,700 people on disability benefits will get a separate £150 payment and a £300 pensioner payment amid the ongoing inflationary crisis.

Benefits that could make claimants eligible for the £301 payment include Universal Credit, tax credits, Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support.

Eligible individuals do not need to apply for payments, as they are made automatically.

The Department for Work and Pensions will send payments automatically and directly to recipients’ bank accounts, with a reference of their national insurance number followed by “DWP COL”.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “This latest additional payment will be welcomed by millions of families – as will further payments due over the next year.”