The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the final £299 cost of living payment will begin reaching bank accounts from Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The payment, part of a £900 total support package, will be issued to approximately eight million eligible claimants across the UK over a three-week period ending February 22.
This third instalment is aimed at low-income households receiving qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and various income-based allowances. The DWP has stated that payments will be made automatically, with no action required from recipients. The payment reference will appear as the recipient's National Insurance number followed by "DWP COL" or "HMRC COLS."
Eligibility is based on entitlement to specific benefits between November 13 and December 12, 2023. Those who received previous cost of living payments are not automatically entitled to this one; separate criteria apply. Households that believe they are eligible but do not receive the payment can report it via gov.uk from February 23.
The DWP has also warned that individuals whose benefit was reduced to zero during the qualifying period—known as a "nil award"—will not qualify for this payment. The support is part of ongoing government efforts to assist vulnerable groups amid high inflation and energy costs.
