The UK government introduced financial support measures through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help citizens manage the rising cost of living. One of the key measures was the Cost of Living Payment, which aimed to provide timely financial assistance to individuals and families struggling with the escalating costs of essentials like housing, utilities, and groceries. This aid was especially important in 2023 and early 2024, when inflation rates remained high, leaving many people facing financial uncertainty.
The final instalment of this support for the 2023/24 financial year was the £299 Cost of Living Payment. This was part of a broader series of disbursements intended to offer financial relief in stages throughout the year. The eligibility for this payment was tied to participation in certain government welfare programs, ensuring that those who needed it most—such as recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and various forms of tax credits—were prioritized.
Table of Contents
- DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Schedule
- Eligibility for the Payment
- Process to Report Missing Payments
- Future Payments and Additional Support
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Schedule
The £299 Cost of Living Payment, distributed by the DWP, was part of a structured plan designed to provide ongoing support throughout the fiscal year of 2023/24. The payments were scheduled at critical times to help beneficiaries manage the rising cost of living. Here’s the breakdown of the payment schedule:
| 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 benefit) | 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 benefit) | 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 benefit) | 16 February – 22 February 2024 |
These payments were made automatically to eligible recipients, so no application was necessary, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of fraud.
Eligibility for the Payment
To be eligible for the £299 payment, recipients had to have received (or been eligible to receive) one of the following benefits for any day between November 13, 2023, and December 12, 2023:
- Child Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit (unless subject to a ‘nil award’)
- Working Tax Credits
Process to Report Missing Payments
If an individual did not receive their expected payment, they could report the issue using an online form available on the official Gov.uk website. This required providing personal details, such as full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number. The DWP typically processed these queries within two weeks.
Future Payments and Additional Support
As of the latest updates, no further Cost of Living Payments have been scheduled for 2024, beyond the final instalment due in February. However, the government has increased benefit rates, such as Universal Credit, by 6.7% from April 2024, providing ongoing relief to eligible recipients. While no additional payments are planned under this initiative, the government’s move to raise benefit rates aims to offer continued support for individuals affected by rising costs.