Millions of households across the UK are set to receive a crucial financial boost as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlines its payment schedule for the 2024 Cost of Living support.
The support package, designed to help those most vulnerable to the ongoing financial pressures, will be distributed in several lump sums throughout the year. The exact dates for these payments are now being finalised, with the first instalment expected to land in bank accounts this spring.
Who is eligible for the payment?
Eligibility for the Cost of Living Payment is largely based on the benefits you already receive. To qualify, you must have been entitled to a payment for one of the following benefits between specific qualifying periods:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
The DWP will use automated systems to identify eligible claimants, meaning most people won't need to apply; the payment will arrive automatically if they meet the criteria.
When will the payments be made?
While the DWP has not released the exact calendar for 2024, payments are expected to follow a similar pattern to previous years. This typically means three separate lump sums are paid across the financial year.
The first payment is anticipated to be made between April and May 2024. Subsequent payments are then likely to follow later in the year, often around autumn and early winter, providing continued support as energy bills and other costs tend to rise.
How much is the Cost of Living Payment?
The exact amounts for the 2024/25 financial year are yet to be officially confirmed by the government. However, the previous year's payments were set at £301, £300, and £299, totalling £900 for eligible individuals on means-tested benefits.
Separate payments are also usually made for those receiving disability benefits and pensioner households, ensuring support is targeted to those with specific needs.
What should you do if you think you're eligible?
The key action for recipients is to ensure their benefit claims are correct and up to date. If you believe you should be receiving a benefit that qualifies you for the payment but aren't, you should contact the DWP immediately.
Furthermore, if you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the assessment period but have not received your Cost of Living Payment, there will be a formal process to report the missing payment via the government's dedicated portal once the payment window has opened.
This vital support continues to be a lifeline for families grappling with high inflation and energy costs, offering direct financial assistance to navigate the ongoing cost of living crisis.
