Am I eligible for the Government's Cost of Living Payments?

A recent update from GOV.UK said that ​‘DWP uses a computer program to identify those eligible to receive a Cost of Living Payment.’

If you think you should have received a Cost of Living Payment but didn’t, get in touch with the office that pays your qualifying benefit or tax credits. 

You can also get more financial help such as grants and extra benefits below.

The Cost of Living Payments are extra funds provided by the UK Government to help support those living on a low income and in receipt of means-tested (low income) benefits.

The Cost of Living Payments for 2023–2024 are available for people on eligible low income benefits. Totalling £900, these will be paid in three instalments throughout 2023–24.

Note: There is also £150 or £300 available for eligible pensioner households (in addition to Winter Fuel Payments). People on an eligible disability benefit should have already received £150 in 2023. You did not need to be getting other benefits to be eligible for this.

If you receive any of these benefits then you should be eligible to receive Cost of Living Payments, as long as you were in receipt of them at the dates stated for each Cost of Living Payment.

• Universal Credit

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income Support

• Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit

• Working Tax Credit

The first and second payment dates have now passed. Those eligible should have received the third and final £299 payment between 6 and 22 February 2024.

You don’t have to do anything. If you are eligible then your Cost of Living Payments will automatically be paid to you in the same way that your benefits are paid. You will receive the payments as standalone amounts in your account.

You do not need to apply or provide any details to receive the payments.

Cost of Living Payments are made in addition to Universal Credit. 

You will receive each payment in the same way you receive your benefits currently. 

The first Cost of Living Payment in 2023, of £301, was made between 25 April and 17 May 2023. The second payment of £300 was made between 31 October and 19 November 2023.

The third and final payment of £299 was made between 6 and 22 February 2024.

The Disability Payment of £150 was due to be paid between the 20 June and 4 July 2023, and the Pensioner Payment of £150 or £300 was due to be paid Winter 2023/24.

The cost of living rises that we’ve seen are extreme and we know that many people will be pushed into scary financial situations. If that sounds like you, or if you know someone who is in difficulty then please get in touch with us. CAP exists to help people who are in financial difficulties and we are only a phone call away.