The Department for Work and Pensions has issued crucial guidance revealing five specific groups of people who remain eligible for the £299 Cost of Living Payment, offering vital financial support during ongoing economic pressures.
Who Exactly Qualifies for This Essential Support?
Despite the main rollout period ending, thousands of vulnerable individuals and families could still receive this significant financial boost if they meet specific criteria. The DWP has clarified that eligible claimants must have been entitled to receive one of several key benefits between specific dates.
The Five Qualifying Benefit Groups
- Universal Credit claimants who were eligible for payment during the assessment period ending between November 13 and December 12, 2023
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance recipients entitled to payment between November 13 and December 12, 2023
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance claimants eligible during the same crucial period
- Income Support beneficiaries who qualified for support between these key dates
- Pension Credit recipients who were entitled to payment during the qualifying week
Understanding the Payment Timeline
The majority of eligible households should have automatically received their £299 payment between February 6 and February 22 this year. However, the DWP emphasises that some payments may still be processing for those who qualified through backdated benefit claims or complex circumstances.
What About Tax Credits?
For those receiving Tax Credits exclusively, HM Revenue and Customs managed separate payments between February 16 and February 22. Like with DWP payments, some cases may experience delays due to administrative processing or recent eligibility confirmations.
Essential Next Steps for Potential Claimants
If you believe you qualify but haven't received your payment, the DWP advises taking specific action:
- Check your bank account carefully - payments appear with specific reference numbers including your National Insurance number
- Verify your benefit eligibility during the crucial qualifying period between November and December 2023
- Contact the relevant department directly if you believe you've been missed despite meeting all criteria
The DWP continues to process outstanding claims, ensuring that every eligible person receives this critical financial support during challenging economic times.
