The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the exact dates for the final cost of living payment, bringing welcome relief to millions of households across the UK. The £299 support will land in bank accounts between February 6 and February 22, 2024, marking the third and final instalment of this vital financial assistance.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
Eligibility for the payment depends on whether you were receiving certain benefits during the qualifying period from November 13 to December 12, 2023. The support is designed to help those most affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Universal Credit Claimants
If you received a payment of Universal Credit for an assessment period ending within the qualifying dates, you should automatically receive the £299 support. This applies to both employed and unemployed claimants meeting the criteria.
Other Qualifying Benefits
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Payment Details and What to Expect
The payment will be made automatically to eligible recipients, meaning you don't need to apply. The funds will appear in your bank account with the reference "DWP COL" followed by your National Insurance number, making it easily identifiable.
Important note: If you receive both Tax Credits and other qualifying benefits, you'll only receive one payment through the DWP system to avoid duplication.
Additional Support Available
For those who don't qualify for this specific payment, other forms of support remain available:
- The Household Support Fund distributed through local councils
- Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners
- Cold Weather Payments for eligible households in affected areas
- Local authority discretionary schemes
This final payment completes the government's £900 support package for 2023-24, following previous payments of £301 and £300. While welcome news for many, charities continue to call for longer-term solutions to support vulnerable households through the ongoing financial pressures.
