First 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment dates announced by DWP

Millions of UK households will receive £301 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 25 April and 17 May.

This is the first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, in 2023/24. There will also be further payments worth £150 for eligible disabled people later this year.

The £301 payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or do anything to receive it.

The payment reference for bank accounts will be DWP COLP, along with the claimant’s National Insurance number.

Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:

“These payments will give a financial boost to more than eight million households as we continue to wrap our arms around the most vulnerable and protect them by halving inflation by the end of this year.

“In the long-term, however, we know work is the best route out of poverty, so anyone looking to boost their skills or progress their career should speak to their work coach to ensure they’re accessing all the support the DWP can provide.”

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added:

“I know that times are tough, which is why a key focus of the Spring Budget was supporting people with the cost of living and helping people into well-paid work.

“Not only are we providing £900 in direct cash payments to millions of the most vulnerable households, we’ve also extended the Energy Price Guarantee to hold bills down until energy prices fall, raised the National Living Wage to £10.42, put an end to the prepayment meter premium and delivered a plan that will more than halve inflation this year – ensuring everyone’s incomes go further.”

Marion Davis, OPFS Head of Policy, Strategy and Communications said:

“The payments, while welcome, do not go far enough to mitigate the effects of increasing prices and for those struggling with the higher cost of pre-payment meters. The UK government has been recycling funding announcements and these payment, announced last year, don’t scratch the surface of rising costs. We want radical reform for energy pricing so that no-one falls below their minimal energy needs.”

The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the upcoming Cost of Living payment are those who receive:

• Universal Credit;
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance;
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;
• Income Support;
• Working Tax Credit;
• Child Tax Credit;
• Pension Credit

The qualifying period for this payment is between 26 January and 25 February 2023.

To be eligible for the payment, you need to have been entitled to a payment for one of these benefits between 26 January and 25 February 2023, or payment for an assessment period ending between these dates.

Low-income households are also encouraged to contact their local council to see what support is available for essential food and energy costs through the Household Support Fund. Worth over £2 billion across its lifetime, the DWP fund is delivered through councils who are able to identify local need.

Those who are eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment solely through tax credits, and are not eligible through DWP means-tested benefits, will be paid by HMRC shortly after DWP payments begin. HMRC will publish specific details of when payments will be made to these customers along with the bank account payment reference.

Eligible customers will not need to apply or contact the Government at any stage to receive the £301 Cost of Living Payment.