The UK government introduced the Cost of Living Payment to help individuals and families struggling with rising living costs. This payment was part of a series of financial support measures aimed at providing timely aid to those who needed it most.
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Who Will Eligible for the Payment?
To be eligible for the £299 payment, recipients needed to have received (or be eligible to receive) certain benefits between November 13, 2023, and December 12, 2023. These benefits included Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and various forms of tax credits.
Payments dates and Schedule
The Cost of Living Payment was structured to provide phased financial support throughout the 2023/24 fiscal year. The payment schedule was as follows:
- £301: April-May 2023
- £301: May 2023 (tax credits only)
- £300: October-November 2023
- £300: November 2023 (tax credits only)
- £299: February 2024
- £299: February 2024 (tax credits only)
What’s Next for Living payments
As of the latest updates, no additional Cost of Living Payments have been scheduled for 2024 beyond the final instalment in February. However, benefit rates such as Universal Credit are set to increase by 6.7% from April 2024, providing some ongoing relief.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing
If you didn’t receive your expected payment, you can report the issue on the Gov.uk website. You’ll need to provide personal details like your full name, date of birth, and national insurance number. The response to such queries is typically processed within two weeks.
FAQs
Who was eligible for the £299 payment?
Recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and various forms of tax credits.
How were the payments made?
Automatically to eligible recipients, with no application necessary.
What if I didn’t receive my payment?
Report the issue on the Gov.uk website.
How much was the final instalment of the Cost of Living Payment?
£299.
When was the final instalment of the Cost of Living Payment made?
Between February 6 and 22, 2024.
