The first £301 cost of living payments date has been announced By the Department For Works & Pensions.
The first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, in 2023/24. has been announced and will be paid to eligible claimants between the 25th of April and the 17th of May, 2023, and this first payment will total £301.
There will also be further payments worth £150 for eligible disabled people and £300 for pensioners due later this year, meaning the most vulnerable can receive up to £1,350 in direct payments.
These payments will all be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
The first £301 payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or do anything to receive it. The payment reference for bank accounts will be DWP COLP, along with the claimant’s National Insurance number.
The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the upcoming Cost of Living payment are those who receive:
Universal Credit
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Pension Credit
The qualifying period for this payment is between 26 January and 25 February 2023.
To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment, you need to have been entitled to a payment for one of these benefits between 26 January and 25 February 2023 or payment for an assessment period ending between these dates.
DWP is also encouraging low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as they can still qualify for the £301 Cost of Living Payment if they make a successful backdated Pension Credit application by 19 May.
Low-income households are also encouraged to contact their local council to see what support is available for essential food and energy costs through the Household Support Fund. Worth over £2 billion across its lifetime, the DWPfund is delivered through councils that are best placed to identify the local need.
Those who are eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment solely through tax credits, and are not eligible through DWP means-tested benefits, will be paid by HMRC shortly after DWP payments begin. HMRC will publish specific details of when payments will be made to these customers along with the bank account payment reference.
Eligible customers will not need to apply or contact the Government at any stage to receive the £301 Cost of Living Payment.
Payment windows and eligibility criteria for the remaining Cost of Living payments will be announced later in the year.
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