New cost of living payments worth up to £1,350 confirmed - dates and eligibility
Millions of people in the UK will receive up to £1,350 in new cost of living support announced last January, with the last payment being issued this week.
More than eight million people with low incomes began receiving a total of £900 in cash support last spring, with the money going directly into bank accounts in three instalments.
There is also a separate £300 for eight million pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payment.
Plus a £150 payment will be made to six million people with disabilities.
Exact payment dates were announced throughout the year, with the Government saying it would spread the support throughout the year.
The final cost of living payment was due to be sent in spring 2024, but it is being paid out early, with funds reaching people between today and February 22.
Cost of living payment dates:
- First £301 cost of living payment in spring 2023 - this was paid between April 25 and May 17 2023.
- £150 disability payment in summer 2023 - paid from June 20 2023.
- Second £300 cost of living payment in autumn 2023 - this has now been confirmed to be paid between October 31 and November 19 2023.
- £300 pensioner payment in winter 2023/24
- Third £299 cost of living payment in spring 2024 - this has now been confirmed to be paid between February 6 and February 22 2024.
The cost of living payments are slightly different to make it easier to ensure a recipient has received the correct amount.
Cost of living payment eligibility
The £900 of cost of living payments will be allocated to those on means-tested benefits including Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Pension Credit. People on tax credits are also eligible.
The Government said those receiving the qualifying benefits must have been entitled within a certain timeframe to be eligible for the payments.
To receive the autumn cost of living payment, Universal Credit and other benefits claimants need to have been entitled to a benefit payment between August 18 and September 17, or a payment for an assessment period ending between these dates. Those not already on Pension Credit but who are eligible can still qualify - more on that below.
Those receiving just tax credits (and therefore receiving their cost of living payment from HMRC), they need to have received a tax credit payment between August 18 and September 17.
The previous cut off for the spring 2023 payment were between January 26 2023 and February 25 2023.
Eligible people who only receive tax credits and no other form of benefit will receive payment from HMRC shortly after the DWP payments are issued to benefit claimants.
Pension Credit
Pensioners are being urged to check if they're eligible for Pension Credit, which would see them entitled to the cost of living payment on top of the Winter Fuel Allowance and one off pensioner payment.
Due to Pension Credit backdating rules, those who are eligible could still qualify for both the second cost-of-living payment as well as the third payment due in spring 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says.
To find out if you're eligible for Pension Credit, click here.
Speaking of the new cost of living payments on September 20, Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: "The best way we can boost bank balances is by bearing down on inflation, but, as we get there, we are ensuring the most vulnerable households are cushioned from high prices with a further cost-of-living payment."
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: "Halving inflation and getting price rises under control is the best way to support households struggling with their bills.
"But it is also right that we are helping the most vulnerable in our society, and this latest cost-of-living payment is part of a package of support worth £3,300 per household on average over this year and last to help those struggling the most."
Read more: