Time is running out for thousands of British households to claim their vital £299 cost of living support, with the Department for Work and Pensions issuing an urgent warning to those who haven't received their payment automatically.
The final instalment of the government's financial support package, designed to help vulnerable families through the ongoing cost of living crisis, should have reached most eligible recipients between February 6 and 22. However, many may have missed out without realising.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
Eligibility for the £299 payment includes recipients of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Crucially, claimants must have been entitled to payments for any day between November 13 and December 12, 2023, or subsequently found to be eligible during this assessment period.
What to Do If You Haven't Received Payment
If you believe you qualify but haven't seen the money in your account, immediate action is required. The DWP has established a dedicated portal for payment inquiries, but applicants must act before the May 17 deadline.
Those who receive tax credits rather than other qualifying benefits will need to contact HMRC separately to report missing payments.
Previous Payments and Full Support Package
This £299 payment represents the third and final instalment of the 2023-2024 cost of living support, following previous payments of £301 and £300. Combined, the total support package amounts to £900 for eligible households throughout the financial year.
Additionally, separate payments of £150 for disabled individuals and £300 for pensioner households have been distributed alongside the main support package.
Households are urged to check their eligibility and report any missing payments immediately to avoid missing out on this crucial financial support.
