Last year, millions of eligible households received two cost of living payments totalling £650.
This year that support package has continued, with the second instalment of £300 due to be paid between 31 October and 19 November.
The first 2023 payment of £301 was paid between 25 April and 17 May, and the third payment of £299 will be paid by Spring 2024.
Who is entitled to this payment?
This will apply to people on means-tested benefits: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, and tax credits: Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
To be eligible for this payment, you must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:
- Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 18 August to 17 September 2023.
- Income based JSA, income related ESA, Income Support, or Pension Credit, for any day in the period 18 August to 17 September 2023.
- For tax credit-only customers, they must have received a payment of tax credits any day in the period 18 August to 17 September 2023.
How will the payment be made?
The cost of living payment will be paid automatically, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HMRC.
It will be paid separately to benefit payments and the reference will appear in accounts with the account holder’s National Insurance number and ‘DWP COL’.
For tax credit-only customers, the reference will appear in accounts as ‘HMRC COLS’, referencing Cost of Living Support.
Find out more about the range of government support with the cost of living at gov.uk/helpforhouseholds
If you would like more support with the cost of living, or if you think you may be entitled to benefits you are not currently receiving, please get in touch with our Money Advice Team by calling 01443 494560 or visit www.trivallis.co.uk/contact-us