More cost of living payments of up to £1,350 to be paid after 5 April - here's what you need to know
Millions of struggling households will receive additional 'cost of living' payments in 2023 and 2024, with the rough payment dates now confirmed by the Government. Here's everything we know about these cost of living payments - and what to do if you've still not received your 2022 support.
See our What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills guide for all of the help available right now and where to go for one-on-one support.
When the next cost of living payments will be paid
Given the continuing increase in the cost of living, the Government used the latest Budget to announce it would make further support payments to those on the lowest incomes in the 2023/24 financial year. Exact details are still limited - we're chasing for further info and will update this story when we know more - but we do now know roughly when this money will be paid.
Crucially, you don't need to apply for the payments, which are non-repayable grants. If you're eligible, you'll automatically receive the money straight into your bank account - though you can challenge the Government if you think you're due a payment but haven't been paid one.
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're on low-income benefits, you'll get up to £900
If you're one of eight million households who get certain means-tested benefits you could get up to £900 in cost of living payments paid out in three instalments:
£301 – during spring 2023 (this will be paid at some point after the new financial year has begun on 6 April 2023)
£300 – during autumn 2023
£299 – during spring 2024 (before the new financial year starts on 6 April 2024)
Each amount is slightly different so it's easier for the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to clearly track whether you've been paid the right payment at the correct time.
Payments will be made to people on any of the following benefits - though the Government has yet to confirm if there will be a 'qualifying window' when you must have been on these benefits, as was the case in 2022:
Child or working tax credits
Income-based jobseeker's allowance
Income-related employment and support allowance
Income support
Pension credit
Universal credit
If you claim certain disability benefits you'll get £150 - paid in summer 2023
If you're one of six million people who get certain disability benefits you could get a £150 one-off payment paid in summer 2023. You can get this on top of the up to £900 means-tested cost of living payment, and/or the £300 pensioner payment.
You'll get this payment if you're on any of the following benefits - though again, we don't know yet if there's a 'qualifying window' during which you need to have been in receipt of these benefits:
Adult disability payment (in Scotland)
Armed forces independence payment
Attendance allowance
Child disability payment (in Scotland)
Constant attendance allowance
Disability living allowance
Personal independence payment
War pension mobility supplement
Those above state pension age will get £300 in winter 2023/24
If you're entitled to winter fuel payment, and are above state pension age (aged 66 and over), you're one of the 8 million pensioner households who will get a top-up of £300 in winter 2023/24.
When 2022 cost of living payments were paid - and what to do if you've not received yours
In 2022, over eight million households got a cost of living support payment of up to £1,100 to help with rising household bills.
The £650 payment for those for those on means-tested benefits was made in two lump sums – the first, of £326, was paid in July, with the second payment, of £324 starting from 8 November.
The 'pensioner cost of living payment' top-up of £300 was paid in November or December to those eligible.
Those on disability benefits should have received their one-off payment of £150 in September.
If you haven't had a payment yet, this could be for one of several reasons:
You're still waiting for a decision on your benefit application or appeal - if you're eligible, you'll get the Cost of Living Payment automatically later and don't need to complete the form below.
You're not eligible for it, which means you don't need to complete the form below. You can check if you're eligible on Gov.uk.
If you DON'T meet any of the criteria above but think you're eligible and haven't got your payment yet, you need to let DWP know by contacting it using this form. You'll need to provide your National Insurance number, so make sure you've got this to hand.