Over eight million households in the UK will receive payments of £900 this year, as the cost of living crisis continues to stretch people’s finances thin.
This payment follows similar supporting payments which totalled up to £1,200 in 2022.
Confirming the new round of payments, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Secretary, Mel Stride said: ‘We are sticking by our promise to protect the most vulnerable and these payments, worth hundreds of pounds, will provide vital support next year for those on the lowest incomes.’
‘The government’s wider support package has already helped more than eight million families as we continue to deal with the global consequences of Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic.’
But who is eligible and when will the payments be made?
When is the first £301 cost of living payment due?
The first instalment, estimated to be £301, is due to arrive in spring 2023.
An exact date has yet to be announced, but ‘spring 2023’ has been noted on the UK government’s website.
When will the total £900 cost of living payments be made?
The payment windows for the remaining amounts will also be announced closer to the time – but eligible households can expect them to be spread out through the year.
As a broad estimate, the government advise payments will be as follows:
When to expect 2023/24 cost of living payments
- £301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during spring 2023
- £150 – Disability Payment – during summer 2023
- £300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during autumn 2023
- £300 – Pensioner Payment – during winter 2023/4
- £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during spring 2024.
Who is eligible for the 2023 payments?
You could get up to three different types of payment, depending on your circumstances on a particular date or during a particular period:
- A Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying low income benefit or tax credits
- A Disability Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying disability benefit
- A Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, if you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023.
Do you need to apply for cost of living payments?
If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically – there’s no need to apply for anything.
You’ll be paid in the same way you usually receive your benefits or tax credits.
This includes if you’re found to be eligible for a Cost of Living Payment or a Disability Cost of Living Payment at a later date.
The government website also notes: ‘If individuals are eligible they will be paid automatically, and there will be no need to apply.
‘Claimants who are eligible for any of the Cost of Living Payments and receive tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will receive payment from HMRC shortly after DWP payments are issued.’
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