In response to the rising cost of living, the UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), introduced the Cost of Living Payment to offer crucial financial relief to individuals and families facing increased expenses for essentials such as housing, utilities, and groceries. This measure became particularly vital during 2023 and early 2024 when inflation was high, leaving many citizens struggling financially.
The final payment in the 2023/24 fiscal year was a £299 Cost of Living Payment. This payment was part of a series of disbursements designed to provide incremental support throughout the year. Eligibility for the payment was determined by recipients’ participation in specific government welfare programs, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and various forms of tax credits, ensuring the aid reached those in the most need.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Schedule
Payment Dates and Eligibility
The DWP’s Cost of Living Payment was distributed in phases throughout the 2023/24 fiscal year, with payments timed to support recipients during critical periods. Here’s an overview of the payment structure:
| Amount | Eligible Benefits | Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|
| £301 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | Between 25 April and 17 May 2023 |
| £301 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit) | Between 2 May and 9 May 2023 |
| £300 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | Between 31 October and 19 November 2023 |
| £300 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit) | Between 10 November and 19 November 2023 |
| £299 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | Between 6 February and 22 February 2024 |
| £299 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit) | Between 16 February and 22 February 2024 |
The payments were made automatically to those eligible, eliminating the need for an application and simplifying the process for recipients.
Eligibility for the £299 Payment
To qualify for the £299 Cost of Living Payment, individuals needed to be in receipt of, or eligible to receive, one of the following benefits on any day between November 13, 2023, and December 12, 2023:
- Child Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit (unless subject to a ‘nil award’)
- Working Tax Credits
Reporting Missing Payments
If an eligible individual did not receive the expected payment, the DWP provided an online form on the Gov.uk website to report the issue. The form required personal details, including the individual’s full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number. The DWP typically responded to such inquiries within two weeks.
Future Payments and Additional Support
Currently, no further Cost of Living Payments have been scheduled for 2024 beyond the final £299 payment in February. However, the government has planned a 6.7% increase in Universal Credit rates starting in April 2024, offering some ongoing financial relief to those receiving this benefit.
