More than eight million households across the UK, including 686,000 in Scotland, will receive the final part of the £900 means-tested cost of living payment next week. The £299 payment will be made automatically to people on eligible benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between February 6 and 22, 2024, and to those on Tax Credits-only from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between February 16 and 22, 2024.
To qualify for the £299 from DWP, you must have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between November 13 and December 12, 2023, or have had an assessment period ending between these dates. For HMRC payments, Tax Credits-only claimants must have received a Tax Credits payment for any day in the same period.
The money will be paid automatically into the account where the benefit is usually received, appearing as 'DWP COL' or 'HMRC COLS' along with the claimant's National Insurance number. No application is needed. The DWP encourages low-income pensioners not already receiving Pension Credit to check eligibility, as a successful claim made before March 5 could still qualify for the £299 payment due to backdating.
Pension Credit can boost annual income by more than £3,900 and provides access to additional support for housing costs, Council Tax, heating bills, and free TV licences for over-75s. From April 2024, payments will increase to £218.15 per week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples.
Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit. Joint claimants will receive one payment per claim. Those with a nil award of Universal Credit may still be eligible if certain conditions apply.
If you believe you are entitled but do not receive a payment, you can report this via GOV.UK from February 23, 2024. Check eligibility for Pension Credit using the online calculator on GOV.UK or call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
