The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the final £299 cost of living payment will be sent to eligible households between 6 and 22 February 2024. This payment is the third and final instalment of the £900 support package for people on means-tested benefits.
Around 8 million households across the UK are expected to receive the automatic payment, which requires no application. Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Income Support, and Pension Credit, among others. Claimants must have been entitled to a qualifying benefit between 13 November and 12 December 2023.
The payment reference will appear as the recipient's National Insurance number followed by 'DWP COL' for DWP payments, or 'HMRC COLS' for those paid by HMRC. This is expected to be the last cost of living payment, as the DWP has stated it has 'no plans' for further payments after spring 2024.
In addition to the £900, households have received up to £1,350 in total support for 2023/24, including disability and pensioner payments. The government has also announced welfare reforms, including a £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan to help over a million people into employment.
