Disability cost of living payments paid to millions – here's who qualifies and what to do if you haven't got the money

If you're struggling, use our 10-minute benefits check to make sure you're not missing out on vital support.

Still haven't received your payment? You now need to call to claim it

Disability cost of living payments of £150 should have been paid automatically on or between 20 June and 4 July. For those who didn't get their payment during this period, an online portal opened for claims on 5 July, though this closed on 1 August.

If you still haven't had your payment, or you didn't claim online and you believe you qualify, you'll need to phone the government department responsible for your benefits. If you receive multiple benefits, you only need to contact one helpline to claim your payment; the helpline to pick is the first benefit you receive from the list below. Here are the phone numbers you need: 

• Disability living allowance if you were born after 8 April 1948: Call the DWP on 0800 121 4600.

• Disability living allowance if you were born on or before 8 April 1948: Call the DWP on 0800 731 0122.

• Personal independence payment: Call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 121 4433.

• Attendance allowance: Call the DWP on 0800 731 0122.

• Adult disability payment (in Scotland): Call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

• Child disability payment (in Scotland): Call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

• Armed forces independence payment: Call Veterans UK on 0808 191 4218.

• Constant attendance allowance: If it's paid with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, contact Barnsley Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre on 0800 121 8379. If it's paid under the war pension mobility supplement, call Veterans UK on 0808 191 4218.

• War pension mobility supplement: Call Veterans UK on 0808 191 4218.

Only those on the benefits above are eligible for the £150 top-up.

You must have received a benefit payment on (or for) 1 April to qualify

In order to get the £150, you must have received a payment of one of the above benefits on 1 April 2023. Or, if you started to make a claim by 1 April and the claim is or was ultimately successful, you should also get the payment. 

If you get the higher rate of the mobility component of armed forces independence payment, disability living allowance, personal independence payment or the war pension mobility supplement and use it to lease a vehicle from charity 'Motability', you will still be eligible for the £150 disability cost of living payment, so long as the mobility component was paid on (or for) 1 April 2023.

For those still waiting for confirmation of their disability benefits on 1 April, or who are waiting for a decision on their eligibility, the process may take longer – but payments will still be automatic.

Be warned that if you get a cost of living payment and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) later finds you weren't eligible, you may have to pay it back.

Payments have been automatic for most – beware scammers saying otherwise

If you qualify for this or any other cost of living payments, you should have been paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefits. The £150 payment will show on your bank statement with the reference 'DWP COL', along with your national insurance number.

Watch out for scam texts or emails inviting you to claim or apply for the payment. The DWP has said it'll never ask you for personal details or banking info over text or email.

More cost of living payments are being made this year – including for pensioners and those on low incomes

In 2023/24, there are three different cost of living payments available. Depending on your personal circumstances, you could be eligible for one, two, or all three – meaning some will get £1,350 in total.

If you claim any of the disability benefits listed above, you should have been paid your £150 on or by 4 July

You can get this on top of the up to £900 cost of living payment for those on low incomes, and/or the £300 pensioner payment.

If you're on low-income benefits, you'll get up to £900 – your first £301 instalment should have been paid on or by 17 May 2023

If you're one of the eight million households that get means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit and Child and Working Tax Credits, you could get up to £900 in cost of living payments paid in three instalments:

• £301 – paid between 25 April and 17 May 2023 (see what to do if you haven't got yours)

• £300 – during autumn 2023 (payment and eligibility dates yet to be confirmed)

• £299 – during spring 2024 (payment and eligibility dates yet to be confirmed)

Each amount is slightly different, so it's easier for the DWP and HM Revenue & Customs to clearly track whether you've been paid the right payment at the correct time.

If you're above state pension age, you'll get £300 – paid in winter 2023/24

If you're entitled to winter fuel payment, and are above state pension age (aged 66 and over), you'll get a top-up of £300 in winter 2023/24.

If you're eligible, you'll be sent a letter in October or November 2023 telling you how much your total winter fuel payment will be.