The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a crucial update that will leave thousands of households disappointed this February. While millions are set to receive the final £299 Cost of Living payment, many claiming certain benefits will find themselves excluded from this vital support.
The payment, scheduled for distribution between February 6th and 22nd, represents the third installment of means-tested support designed to help struggling families through the ongoing cost of living crisis. However, strict eligibility criteria mean not everyone will qualify.
Who Exactly Qualifies for the £299 Payment?
To receive the payment, claimants must have been entitled to a qualifying benefit between November 13th and December 12th, 2023. The eligible benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
The Groups Who Will Miss Out
Several key groups will not receive the £299 payment despite potentially receiving previous cost of living support:
- New Claimants: Those who applied for benefits after December 12th, 2023
- Zero Income Universal Credit Claimants: Those whose earnings were too high during the assessment period
- Certain Disability Benefit Recipients: Those receiving only disability benefits without qualifying means-tested benefits
- Carer's Allowance Only Claimants: Those solely on Carer's Allowance without other qualifying benefits
Why Some Universal Credit Claimants Are Excluded
The 'zero income' rule continues to create confusion. If your earnings during the assessment period were too high, resulting in a Universal Credit payment of £0, you will not qualify for the £299 support - even if you're normally eligible for payments.
This technicality has been described by campaigners as a 'cruel loophole' that penalises those with fluctuating incomes or temporary work.
What About Other Support Payments?
While many will miss out on the February payment, other support remains available:
- Disability Cost of Living Payment: £150 paid separately to those on qualifying disability benefits
- Winter Fuel Payment: Support for pensioners including Pension Credit recipients
- Household Support Fund: Local authority support for those in genuine need
Experts are urging those who believe they should have qualified but didn't receive payment to contact the DWP directly after February 22nd. However, they warn that the eligibility criteria are strictly applied with little room for discretion.
The government maintains that the targeted approach ensures support reaches those most in need, but charities argue that the strict cut-off dates and eligibility rules leave many vulnerable families without crucial support during the coldest months.
