In response to the growing financial pressures of inflation, the UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), introduced measures to provide financial support for individuals and families affected by the rising cost of living.
One of the primary forms of assistance was the Cost of Living Payment, aimed at alleviating the financial burden of essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries.
This support was especially vital during the challenging economic periods of 2023 and early 2024 when inflation rates were at a high point, and many families faced financial uncertainty.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Schedule
The Cost of Living Payment provided phased relief throughout the 2023/24 financial year.
These payments were distributed at various intervals to assist individuals and families in managing the rising costs. The final payment for this financial year was the £299 installment.
Here’s a breakdown of the payment schedule for eligible recipients:
| Amount | Eligible Benefits | Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|
| £301 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | 25 April – 17 May 2023 |
| £301 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit) | 2 May – 9 May 2023 |
| £300 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | 31 October – 19 November 2023 |
| £300 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit) | 10 November – 19 November 2023 |
| £299 | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit | 6 February – 22 February 2024 |
| £299 | Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit) | 16 February – 22 February 2024 |
These payments were issued automatically, meaning no action was required from the recipients to apply.
This approach helped to reduce the risk of fraud and simplified the process for those eligible.
Eligibility for the Payment
To qualify for the £299 Cost of Living Payment, individuals had to be receiving or eligible for one of the following benefits at any point between November 13, 2023, and December 12, 2023:
- Child Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit (excluding those with a ‘nil award’)
- Working Tax Credits
Process to Report Missing Payments
In case a recipient did not receive their expected payment, the DWP provided an online form via the Gov.uk website for individuals to report the missing payment.
The report required personal information such as the full name, date of birth, and national insurance number.
The DWP typically processed these queries within two weeks.
Future Payments and Additional Support
At the time of writing, there are no further scheduled Cost of Living Payments beyond the final £299 installment in February 2024.
However, other government initiatives are still ongoing.
Notably, Universal Credit payments are set to rise by 6.7% starting in April 2024, continuing the government’s efforts to provide financial assistance amidst ongoing economic challenges.
