The UK Treasury has broken its silence amid a growing outcry from some of the nation's most vulnerable households, who have been left waiting for a crucial £299 support payment.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) began rolling out the final part of its £900 Cost of Living support package on February 6th. While millions have received the funds automatically, a significant number of eligible claimants on means-tested benefits have reported not receiving the vital financial aid.
Mounting Pressure and Desperate Situations
Complaints have flooded social media and advice forums, with many individuals and families stating the missing payment has pushed them into severe hardship. The government's primary advice for those who believe they are eligible but have not been paid is to use the official government portal to report the missing sum.
However, this process has been criticised for its lack of immediacy. The Treasury's latest communication confirms that the reporting service is the only official channel for addressing these issues, offering little solace to those needing urgent help.
Who Was Eligible for the Payment?
The payment was intended for individuals receiving any of the following benefits during the qualifying period (November 13 to December 12, 2023):
- 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
The stark reality is that for many relying on these benefits, the £299 sum represents a critical lifeline for covering essential costs like food, energy, and rent during the winter months.
A Silent Treasury and a Waiting Game
Despite the escalating crisis, the Treasury has not announced any plans for an emergency or accelerated payment process for those facing desperate circumstances. This has led to accusations that the system is failing those it was designed to protect.
For now, affected claimants have no choice but to report their missing payment online and wait for an investigation, a waiting game that thousands can ill afford.
