Over 8 million families to receive £301 Cost of Living Payment before 17 May 2023

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be sending payments automatically, directly to recipients’ bank accounts, using your National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP COL’ as a reference.

This is the first of up to three payments for those eligible on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits, totalling £900 through 2023/24. These will be accompanied by a £150 payment for people on eligible disability benefits this summer, and a £300 payment on top of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners at the end of 2023.

How do I know if I am entitled

People will be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment if they have been entitled to a payment for one of seven benefits between 26 January and 25 February 2023. The eligible benefits are:

·         Universal Credit;

·         Pension Credit;

·         Income-based Jobseekers Allowance;

·         Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;

·         Income Support;

·         Working Tax Credit;

·         Child Tax Credit.

Important - check Pension Credit entitlement

Low-income pensioners particularly should check their eligibility for Pension Credit, as they may still be able to receive the £301 Cost of Living Payment, and subsequent payments if they make a successful backdated application by 19 May 2023. 

If you are unsure and you would like the Tenancy Sustainability team to check if you are entitled, please contact them on 0300 003 5454 or email at tenancysustainabilityteam@communityhousing.co.uk

For more information, visit the Government Cost of Living website or visit the Benefits and Money section of our website.