Millions of households across the UK are set to receive a crucial financial boost as the final £299 Cost of Living Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is scheduled for distribution this spring.
This payment marks the last instalment of a support package designed to help vulnerable families and individuals navigate the ongoing cost of living crisis. The exact payment window has been officially confirmed, offering certainty to those who rely on this vital assistance.
Who is Eligible for the £299 Payment?
Your eligibility for this tax-free payment is automatically assessed based on whether you were receiving one of the following qualifying benefits during a specific assessment period:
- 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
It is crucial to note that you must have been entitled to a payment for one of these benefits between a specific date range, which the DWP will use to determine eligibility. No application is necessary; if you qualify, the payment will be sent to you automatically.
When Will You Get Paid?
The DWP has announced that the £299 payment will be made between February 6, 2024, and February 22, 2024. The vast majority of eligible claimants on DWP benefits are expected to receive their payment by February 22nd.
For those who claim through HMRC for Tax Credits only, the payment window is slightly later, running from February 16, 2024, to February 22, 2024.
What to Do If Your Payment Doesn't Arrive
If you believe you meet the criteria but do not see the payment in your account by the end of the payment window, it is essential to act. You can report a missing Cost of Living Payment through the official government portal on GOV.UK.
This support is part of a wider package of government aid, which has already seen previous payments totalling £1,200 distributed to low-income households over the past year.
