In response to the rising cost of living, the UK government introduced financial aid through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), aiming to ease the financial burden on individuals and families struggling with the increasing costs of essentials such as housing, utilities, and food. This support was particularly important in 2023 and early 2024, as high inflation rates left many citizens facing financial challenges.
A key part of the government’s efforts was the Cost of Living Payment, which aimed to provide targeted assistance. The final installment for the 2023/24 financial year was the £299 payment, forming part of a series of incremental payments throughout the year. To qualify for this aid, individuals needed to be receiving certain government benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and various forms of tax credits, ensuring that it reached those who needed it most.
Table of Contents
- DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Schedule
- Eligibility for the Payment
- Reporting Missing Payments
- Future Payments and Additional Support
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Schedule
The DWP’s Cost of Living Payment scheme was designed to offer phased financial relief to those who were eligible. Payments were scheduled at critical points throughout the year to help beneficiaries manage the ongoing financial strain caused by inflation. Here’s the full breakdown of the payment amounts and dates:
| Amount | Eligible Benefits | Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|
| £301 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | 25 April – 17 May 2023 |
| £301 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefits) | 2 May – 9 May 2023 |
| £300 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | 31 October – 19 November 2023 |
| £300 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefits) | 10 November – 19 November 2023 |
| £299 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | 6 February – 22 February 2024 |
| £299 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefits) | 16 February – 22 February 2024 |
These payments were made automatically, meaning recipients did not need to apply for the support, helping to simplify the process and reduce the risk of fraud.
Eligibility for the Payment
To qualify for the £299 Cost of Living Payment, individuals needed to be receiving one of the following benefits on any day between 13 November 2023 and 12 December 2023:
- Universal Credit (except those on a ‘nil award’)
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
Reporting Missing Payments
In the event that someone did not receive their expected Cost of Living Payment, the DWP provided an online form to report the issue. To resolve such problems, individuals were required to submit their personal details, including their full name, date of birth, and national insurance number. Typically, responses to these queries were processed within two weeks.
Future Payments and Additional Support
As of the most recent updates, no further Cost of Living Payments have been scheduled for 2024, with the final payment expected in February. The government has not announced any additional payments under this initiative. However, starting in April 2024, benefit rates, including Universal Credit, will increase by 6.7%, offering continued relief for some individuals facing financial difficulties.
In conclusion, while the final instalment of the Cost of Living Payment will be made in February 2024, the ongoing support through Universal Credit and other benefits continues to provide some assistance to people facing rising living costs. Though no further payments have been announced for 2024, the increase in benefit rates is a positive step for those in need.
